English
New Delhi: India emerged victorious in a dramatic Super Over win against Sri Lanka in their final Super Four match of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Wednesday. Captain Suryakumar Yadav appreciated the contributions of middle-order batsmen Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, as well as bowler Arshdeep Singh’s calm and composed performance in the Super Over, which restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs.
The match turned into a high-voltage clash as both sides crossed the 200-run mark, with Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka smashing a century.
“It felt like a final and the boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. I told the boys to have good energy and let’s see where we are at the end. To have that start with the bat, and someone like Sanju and Tilak taking that tempo was good to see. And for someone like Sanju, who is not opening the batting, and taking that responsibility and even Tilak showing great confidence, which was good to see,” said Suryakumar during the post-match presentation.
“Arshdeep has delivered for us the last 2-3 years. I told him to back his own plans and try to execute. He has been there in that situation many times and he has done really well for India and for his IPL side. His confidence says it all. None other than Arshdeep to bowl that Super Over,” Suryakumar added.
The Indian skipper stated that a few players suffered cramps due to the heat but confirmed they would get a recovery day on Saturday ahead of the final.
Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka showered praise on Nissanka’s brilliant century and remained positive despite their winless Super Four stage performance.
“It was a fabulous game, and we were in the game until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those middle overs. It was unbelievable batting (from Nissanka), they have some extremely good bowlers and it was splendid to see him bat with that attacking approach. There were many positives from the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket, but unfortunately, we could not win in the last two games. As a captain, there are a lot of positives to take,” Asalanka stated.
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka opted to field first. Abhishek Sharma carried his impressive form as he scored 61 off 39 deliveries, which included eight fours and two sixes. He also became the first batter to cross 300 runs in the T20I Asia Cup.
Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav scored 4 and 12 runs respectively. A crucial middle-order stand between Tilak Varma 49* and Sanju Samson 39 added 66 runs, guiding India to a total of 202/5 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka started the chase on a shaky note with Kusal Mendis falling for a golden duck, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera responded with an aggresive counter-attack. Nissanka smashed an impressive 107 off 58 balls, while Perera also scored 58 runs from 32 balls. Dasun Shanaka scored a quick 22 runs, but the game ended in a tie, forcing a Super Over.
Kuldeep Yadav stood out as India’s best performer with the ball, finishing with 1/31, while Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga picked one wicket each. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh delivered an outstanding spell, conceding only two runs and picking up two wickets. India then sealed the chase comfortably in just one delivery.
Nissanka was given Player of the Match award for his century. The win kept India undefeated in the tournament, while Sri Lanka, despite entering the Super Four unbeaten, bowed out without securing a single victory.
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