Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Defending champions India survived a thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka to maintain their unbeaten run in the Asia Cup. The Super Fours match, though a dead rubber with India already in the final and Sri Lanka eliminated, turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament, showcasing brilliant individual performances and intense competition.
Pathum Nissanka Shines For Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka stole the show by scoring the tournament’s first individual hundred this year. Nissanka’s 107-run effort kept Sri Lanka in contention and forced a Super Over, demonstrating the batting prowess and resilience of the Sri Lankan side despite India’s dominance throughout the tournament.
Super Over Drama
In the Super Over, Sri Lanka managed only two runs before losing both wickets in five deliveries to India’s Arshdeep Singh. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav quickly secured victory by taking three runs off the first ball from Wanindu Hasaranga, ending the match in a decisive manner and maintaining India’s momentum heading into the final against Pakistan.
India’s Strong Batting Performance
Earlier, India batted first and posted a strong total of 202-5, marking the first 200-plus score of the tournament. Opener Abhishek Sharma continued his red-hot form with a brilliant 61 off 31 balls, his third consecutive fifty, providing India with a solid platform despite the early fall of Shubman Gill (4) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12).
Support From Tilak Varma And Sanju Samson
After Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal by Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson steadied the innings. Tilak Varma scored 49 not out while Samson contributed 39 runs, keeping pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers and ensuring India posted a competitive total that proved difficult to chase.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
Sri Lanka started strongly with Kusal Perera scoring 58 and Nissanka bringing up a 52-ball hundred. Despite losing Kusal Mendis early for a duck, they reached 72-1 after the six powerplay overs. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy then broke a 127-run partnership by dismissing Perera, yet Nissanka remained dominant, taking the match to a Super Over with Sri Lanka ending on 202-5.
India’s Bowling Strategy
India rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during Sri Lanka’s innings, while Hardik Pandya bowled only one over. The bowling attack, including Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh, was effective in controlling the Sri Lankan batsmen at crucial moments, reflecting India’s depth and strategic planning in the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma’s consistent batting at the top of the order has been a major factor in India’s unbeaten run. Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, combined with the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, helped India maintain control in both middle overs and the Super Over. Pathum Nissanka’s century provided excitement but could not prevent India from emerging victorious.
India’s thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka confirmed their dominance in the Asia Cup and maintained their perfect record heading into the final against Pakistan. Strong batting performances, tactical bowling, and effective use of key players ensured India remained firm favorites, while Sri Lanka showcased resilience and determination in a memorable contest.
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