India Set Up Pakistan Showdown After Sri Lanka Scare

News Desk

Dubai: What was expected to be a dead rubber turned into a gripping cricket spectacle as India defeated Sri Lanka in a Super Over, extending their winning streak to six matches in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage.

The match, however, will be remembered as much for the drama as for the cricket, with a massive controversy overshadowing the final moments.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 202 for 5 in 20 overs. Hardik Pandya’s early strike seemed to put India in control, but Sri Lanka roared back through a breathtaking 127-run stand between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera.

Perera departed for 58, while Nissanka stunned the Indian camp with a 52-ball century, eventually scoring 107 off 58 balls to keep Sri Lanka in the hunt.

The chase went down to the wire, with Sri Lanka tying the scores at 202 and forcing a Super Over. What followed was pure drama. In the Super Over bowled by Arshdeep Singh, Dasun Shanaka was controversially given out caught behind despite no edge showing on replays. Since the ball was declared dead, a subsequent run-out appeal became invalid, sparking heated discussions between Indian players and the umpire.

Sri Lanka managed only two runs in their Super Over, and India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, chased down the target of three with ease.

The controversy did little to overshadow the heroics of Nissanka, whose blistering knock nearly took Sri Lanka across the line, or the nerves of steel displayed by Arshdeep Singh in the pressure-packed Super Over.

With the victory, India not only secured bragging rights but also set up a blockbuster Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday.

Cricket fans witnessed everything the game could offer—centuries, collapses, a tied score, a Super Over, and even a contentious umpiring call—making it one of the most unforgettable matches of the tournament.