Dubai, Sep 27: In a thrilling finale to a largely one sided Asia Cup Super Four, India edged Sri Lanka in a Super Over after Pathum Nissanka’s sparkling century nearly carried the visitors to victory.
Chasing India’s 202/5, Nissanka scored a whirlwind 107 off 57 balls, complemented by Kusal Perera’s 58 off 32, to take Sri Lanka to a tied total of 202/5. Dasun Shanaka’s late push ensured the contest went into a Super Over after Harshit Rana conceded 11 off the final over.
However, the Super Over proved brief and decisive. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Kusal Perera off the first ball, while Kamindu Mendis and Shanaka failed to score, leaving Sri Lanka with just two runs. India required only one delivery, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill sealing the win effortlessly.
Earlier, India posted their tournament-best 202/5 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 61 off 31 balls, supported by Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (39), and Tilak Varma (49 not out), laid the foundation for the formidable total. Axar Patel’s late cameo (21 not out) pushed India past the 200-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s sporadic wickets and occasional lapses in fielding prevented them from chasing down India’s total, despite Nissanka’s heroics and Perera’s fluent batting.
Brief Scores:
India 202/5 (Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49*, Sanju Samson 39)
Sri Lanka 202/5 (Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58)
Super Over: India 3/0 beat Sri Lanka 2/2