Nissanka’s Ton in Vain: Arshdeep’s Super Over Secures India’s Asia Cup Win.

  • September 26, 2025

The cricket teams of India and Sri Lanka engaged in an exhilarating face-off during the 18th match of the Super Fours stage in the Asia Cup 2025. This match unfolded on the evening of September 26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Given both teams’ strong standing in the tournament, the match was anticipated to be intense and filled with dramatic moments. India took to the field to bat first, establishing a significant score of 202 runs, having lost five wickets by the end of their 20 overs. Sri Lanka‘s response was highlighted by their prominent opener, Pathum Nissanka, whose impressive century performance greatly bolstered his team’s chances against the formidable Indian bowling squad. The game reached its climax in a super over, with India ultimately triumphing over Sri Lanka, winning by a margin of 5 balls. This sealed a thrilling victory for India in what was a high-stakes competition.

Pathum Nissanka’s spectacular century against India in Super 4

Nissanka’s play demonstrated remarkable brilliance and composure when under pressure. With a score of 107 runs from 58 balls, he marked his place as the first Sri Lankan cricketer to secure a century against India in a T20 international match. He also earned his place as only the third batsman overall to achieve a century within the Asia Cup T20 format. He showcased a combination of graceful boundary shots and powerful sixes, striking 7 fours and 6 sixes, skillfully managing his innings throughout the chase. Despite some initial instability, as Sri Lanka quickly lost Kusal Mendis, Nissanka skillfully guided the innings in collaboration with Kusal Perera, forming a significant 127-run partnership. This gave Sri Lanka solid footing in their effort to surpass India’s substantial total. His century was especially remarkable because it was achieved while chasing a significant target against a robust bowling attack, highlighting his capability to excel when the stakes are high.

Nissanka achieved his century by hitting a six off a delivery from Arshdeep Singh, a moment that ignited the stadium and highlighted his dominance during the match. Despite wickets falling around him in later stages, Nissanka maintained his precise and effective stroke play until his dismissal near the end. By that time, Sri Lanka was just short of the target, having reached a score of 202 for five in their 20 overs. His innings not only represented a personal high point but was also a significant milestone for Sri Lankan cricket within the Asia Cup T20 series.

India’s spectacular victory against Sri Lanka in super over thriller

The foundation of India’s innings was a spirited opening partnership, notably led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 runs off 31 balls. His aggressive play was crucial in establishing the game’s momentum. Complementing Sharma’s efforts were valuable contributions from Tilak Varma, who scored 49* off 34 balls, and Sanju Samson, with 39 runs off 23 balls. Despite the regular loss of wickets, India successfully achieved a total of 202 runs. This was the highest score recorded in the tournament at that time, demonstrating the depth and well-rounded nature of their batting lineup.

After Sri Lanka matched India’s score in a tense finish, the game proceeded into a super over. During the super over, Sri Lanka managed to score only 2 runs, losing two wickets due to significant pressure applied by India’s bowling and fielding strategies. India, requiring only 3 runs to win, secured the victory with strategic and composed batting from Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. They completed the super over without losing any wickets. This victory ensured India remained undefeated in the Super Fours stage, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final match. Sri Lanka, despite their defeat, earned recognition for their resilient performance and fighting spirit.

This Super Fours match was a clear illustration of T20 cricket at its finest—presenting a delightful blend of skill, resolve, and excitement that maintained high levels of engagement among the fans from beginning to end. Pathum’s exceptional century will be long celebrated as an extraordinary personal achievement set against the backdrop of an unforgettable contest against a strong Indian team, culminating in a nail-biting super over victory.

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