In a nail-biting encounter at the Asia Cup, India clinched a dramatic Super Over victory against Sri Lanka during their final Super Four match. Captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded the exceptional performances of middle-order batsmen Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, and particularly highlighted Arshdeep Singh’s calm and decisive bowling in the tie-breaker.
What was initially considered a low-stakes ‘dead rubber’ fixture quickly escalated into an enthralling showdown. Both sides posted formidable totals exceeding 200 runs, a highlight of which was a magnificent century by Sri Lanka’s opener, Pathum Nissanka.
During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar shared his thoughts: “It genuinely felt like a final. The team displayed immense character, particularly in the second innings after our batting effort. I urged the boys to maintain high energy and see how the game unfolded. The aggressive start with the bat, especially from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, was fantastic to witness. Sanju, typically not an opener, stepped up and embraced that responsibility, while Tilak’s confidence truly shone through.”
He continued, emphasizing his trust in Arshdeep: “Arshdeep has been a consistent performer for us over the past couple of years. I simply told him to stick to his strengths and execute his strategy. He’s faced similar high-pressure scenarios numerous times for both India and his IPL franchise, and he always delivers under pressure. His unwavering confidence speaks volumes. There was no one else I would have chosen to bowl that Super Over.”
India’s Arshdeep Singh (AP/PTI)
Suryakumar also acknowledged that some players suffered from cramps due to the intense heat but reassured that they would have a crucial recovery day on Saturday ahead of the impending finals.
On the Sri Lankan side, captain Charith Asalanka praised Nissanka’s outstanding century. Despite his team’s inability to secure a win in the Super Four stage, Asalanka maintained a positive outlook.
Asalanka reflected, “It was a phenomenal game. We were very much in contention until Varun and Kuldeep delivered those crucial middle overs. Nissanka’s batting was truly unbelievable; he showed incredible attacking intent against their excellent bowling attack. There are many positives to draw from this Asia Cup campaign. We’ve played some strong cricket, even if the results in the last two matches didn’t go our way. As a captain, I see a lot of valuable lessons and strengths to build upon.”
Earlier in the match, after winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field. India’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing Shubman Gill for just 4 runs and captain Suryakumar for a modest 12.
However, Abhishek Sharma maintained his phenomenal form, smashing 61 runs off just 31 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes. This powerful innings made him the first batsman to surpass 300 runs in the T20I Asia Cup.
The middle-order then steadied India’s ship with a vital 66-run partnership between Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (39), propelling India to a competitive total of 202/5 within their allotted 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s chase also faltered early as Kusal Mendis was out for a golden duck. Yet, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera orchestrated a fierce counter-attack to keep their team in the game.
Nissanka delivered a masterclass, scoring a brilliant 107 off 58 balls, supported by Perera’s rapid 58 from 32 deliveries. A quickfire 22 from Dasun Shanaka ensured the game went right down to the wire, ending in a tie and forcing a thrilling Super Over.
Among the bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav stood out for India, taking 1 wicket for 31 runs. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each secured a single wicket.
The Super Over proved to be Arshdeep Singh’s moment of glory, as his exceptional bowling restricted Sri Lanka to an astonishingly low two runs, claiming two crucial wickets in the process. India then effortlessly chased down the target with just one ball.
Despite the loss, Pathum Nissanka’s incredible century earned him the Player of the Match award. India’s victory not only preserved their unbeaten streak but also propelled them into the tournament final, while Sri Lanka, who had entered the Super Four undefeated, concluded their campaign without a win in this stage.