A Dead Rubber Turns Into a Classic — India vs Sri Lanka Highlights
What looked like a routine Super Four match became a cliffhanger as india vs sri lanka produced drama, controversy and a Super Over finish. India posted 202 for 5 batting first, then watched Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera put on a 127-run stand off 70 balls that stunned the crowd. Nissanka’s 107 off 58 and Perera’s 58 brought Sri Lanka back into the game and forced the match into a Super Over, where India eventually prevailed. But not before a massive on-field dispute over a caught-behind call and a potential run-out.
India’s win extended their Asia Cup streak to six straight victories, and the team now prepares to face Pakistan on Sunday.
How the Match Unfolded: From India 202/5 to a Super Over
India chose to bat and managed a competitive 202/5 in 20 overs. Early in the chase, Hardik Pandya struck, removing Kusal Mendis on the fourth ball. Then came the Nissanka–Perera fireworks:
- Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera shared a huge second-wicket partnership of 127 off 70 balls.
- Perera fell for 58, but Nissanka kept going and smashed a 52-ball century. Finishing on 107 from 58 balls.
- India fought back through tight bowling in the middle overs from Varun and Kuldeep, and the teams were tied at 202/5 by the final delivery.
With scores level, the match moved to a Super Over. And that’s where controversy erupted.
Super Over Controversy and the Turning Point
In the Super Over, tension peaked on the fourth legal delivery bowled by Arshdeep Singh. Dasun Shanaka attempted a bye and Sanju Samson’s throw hit the stumps at the striker’s end. But the on-field umpire first gave Shanaka out caught behind after Arshdeep’s appeal. Shanaka asked for a review. Replays showed no edge, meaning the caught-behind decision should have been overturned; because the caught-behind call had made the ball dead, the run-out could not stand. After a lengthy discussion and review, the decision was reversed and the ball ruled not out. A huge moment of controversy that briefly stopped play and provoked heated exchanges.
Arshdeep then struck on the very next ball, and India reduced Sri Lanka to needing three runs. In the end, a googly from Wanindu Hasaranga was met by Suryakumar Yadav, who placed the ball to the left of diving cover and picked up three runs to win it. India took the Super Over and the match.
Standout Performances and Match Moments
- Pathum Nissanka: A sensational 107 off 58 that was the centerpiece of Sri Lanka’s fightback — his best showing of the night.
- Kusal Perera: Crucial partner to Nissanka with 58, helping rebuild from early trouble.
- Arshdeep Singh: Bowled in the Super Over and was central to the controversy; later struck to remove Dasun Shanaka in the over.
- Sanju Samson & Suryakumar Yadav: Samson’s involvement in the Super Over appeal was pivotal; Suryakumar finished the job with the winning boundary.
Context and Reaction
India’s win keeps their momentum in the Asia Cup 2025 going. Six straight wins now. While Sri Lanka picked up plenty of positives despite the loss. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka said the game was “fabulous” and praised Nissanka’s attacking approach, noting positives despite two recent defeats. The head-to-head record table referenced in the match shows IND vs SL among the most-played T20 rivalries, with 23 wins in 33 games for the pair (including Super Over results).
Final Scorecard Snapshot
- India: 202/5 (20 overs)
- Sri Lanka: 202/5 (20 overs) — match tied; India won the Super Over.
- Key batting: Pathum Nissanka 107 (58), Kusal Perera 58.
- Super Over drama: Caught-behind call overturned on review. India clinched victory with Suryakumar Yadav’s decisive play.
This india vs sri lanka Super Four clash proved that even a “dead rubber” can produce edge-of-your-seat cricket. And plenty to talk about after the final whistle.
