Super Over Decides High-Scoring Thriller

India had already secured their ticket to the Asia Cup final. On paper, the clash against Sri Lanka was a mere formality. But what unfolded on the field turned into one of the most dramatic, thrilling, and emotionally charged contests of the tournament.

Batting first, India got off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s aggression. He blasted 61 off just 31 balls, laying a strong foundation. In the middle overs, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma maintained the momentum, with Tilak remaining unbeaten on 49. Despite failures from Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, a handy 21 from Axar Patel lifted India to a formidable total of 202.

Sri Lanka, however, showed no intention of backing down. Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka tore into the Indian bowlers, putting together a brilliant 127-run stand for the second wicket. Perera struck a half-century (58 off 35) before falling to Varun, but Nissanka stood tall.

The Sri Lankan opener notched up his maiden T20I hundred in style—107 off 58 balls, decorated with seven fours and three sixes. Raising his bat, he signaled that the best response to criticism comes with the bat. His knock, combined with Perera’s fifty, carried Sri Lanka to the brink of victory.

But cricket is the game of uncertainty, and the final moments proved it yet again. A flurry of three wickets in quick succession left Sri Lanka under pressure. With three needed off the last ball, they managed only two, forcing the match into a Super Over.

Sri Lanka’s strategy in the Super Over raised eyebrows. Surprisingly, centurion Nissanka was not sent out to bat. Perera fell to the first ball, and then came the moment of controversy: Shanaka edged to Samson, who caught it cleanly. In an attempt to steal a run, Shanaka was also run out—but the review had already been called, meaning the ball was dead. The run-out didn’t count, sparking debate over the laws of the game.

India’s task was simple: three runs needed. On the very first ball from Wanindu Hasaranga, Suryakumar Yadav drove three runs to seal the win for India in the Super Over.

This match was far more than just a win or loss. It was about resilience under pressure, the drama of mistakes and comebacks, and a reminder that a cricket match is never over until the very last ball.

Ahead of the final, India’s bowling still leaves questions, but their batting line-up looks confident and assured. Sri Lanka may have been knocked out of the tournament, but they left behind a match that will live long in the memories of cricket fans.