India defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super Over after the main match was tied at 202/5.
In a match that had absolutely everything except a loser after 40 overs, India finally emerged victorious in a heart-stopping Super Over against a spirited Sri Lanka, turning what was meant to be a dead rubber into the most memorable clash of the Asia Cup 2025. The scoreboard at the Dubai International Stadium told the story of an epic tie, but it took six more balls, frayed nerves, and a captain's cool head to finally separate the two sides.
The equation was simple, the pressure immense. Sri Lanka, batting first in the Super Over, had collapsed to a paltry 2 runs, losing both their set batsmen to the steady hands of Arshdeep Singh. India needed just three runs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, with a glint in his eye, and the ever-dependable Shubman Gill walked out. One ball was all it took. Surya leaned into a delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga and sent it racing to the boundary, unleashing a roar of relief and triumph from the Indian camp. The explosion of sound from the stadium was a release valve after two hours of unbearable tension.
This was a game that defied its context. With India already through to the final against Pakistan, and Sri Lanka eliminated, many expected a subdued affair. How wrong they were. After being put into bat, India's innings was a statement of intent. Abhishek Sharma, the young gun at the top, played with the fearlessness of youth, bludgeoning a 31-ball 61 that saw him eclipse the tournament run-scoring record. He was the spark, but Tilak Varma (49*) and Sanju Samson (39) provided the fuel, piloting India to a formidable 202/5.
But cricket, in its beautiful cruelty, often scripts a response. And what a response it was. Pathum Nissanka played what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime innings. His brilliantly timed and powerful knock of 107 off 58 balls completely destroyed India's bowling attack. Alongside Kusal Perera's blistering 58, he orchestrated a chase that seemed destined for success. For 19.5 overs, Sri Lanka were the favourites.
The match came down to the final six balls bowled by Harshit Rana. The air was thick with tension. Sri Lanka needed a manageable number, but Rana held his nerve, bowling yorkers and variations. With the scores level and one ball left, the entire stadium held its breath. The batsmen scrambled for a single, and as the bails were whipped off, the umpire's signal confirmed it: a tie. 202/5 apiece. The Sri Lankan fans erupted in pride, the Indian fans in disbelief. The game, spectacularly, was not over.
What transpired next was a microcosm of pressure-cooker cricket. Arshdeep Singh, handed the ball for the Super Over, was magnificent. He restrained the Sri Lankan batsmen to a total that looked unimaginable only minutes before by forcing mistakes, taking wickets, and strangling them.
Then came Suryakumar Yadav. In a situation demanding calm, the Indian skipper provided the ultimate example. By inducing errors, getting wickets, and squeezing the Sri Lankan batsman, he held them to a total that just minutes before seemed unthinkable.
For India, this was more than a win; it was a character-building exercise ahead of the final. They were tested, pushed to the brink, and they found a way to win. For Sri Lanka, there will be heartbreak, but also immense pride. Pathum Nissanka’s century will be remembered as one of the great innings, even in a losing cause.
In the end, the Dubai night belonged to India, but the match belonged to cricket. It was a reminder that when pride is on the line, there is no such thing as a dead rubber.
