September 28, 2025

What a nail-biter in the Asia Cup 2025! India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav said their match against Sri Lanka felt just like a final. In a high-octane Super 4 clash at Dubai, the men in blue held their nerves and eked out a victory after a thrilling Super Over. Setting a target of 202 runs, India faced a tough challenge but great batting by Abhishek Sharma (61), Tilak Varma (49 not out), and Sanju Samson (39) kept the hopes alive. Suryakumar praised his players for their strong character, especially after a shaky start in the second innings. "It felt like a final (laughs). The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. Told them to play this like a semi-final. Get everyone close in, have good energy and then let's see what happens. Good to be on the winning side," he said during the presentation. The hero of the day was clearly Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer bowled a superb 19th over in the regular match and then came up with magic in the Super Over by taking two crucial wickets. India restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs in the Super Over. Suryakumar explained why he chose Arshdeep to bowl that tense over. "Arshdeep has been in that situation a lot of time and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back your own plans and not to think about anything. We are already in the finals, but have your own plans and execute it." Talking about the batting, Suryakumar was all praise for those who stood tall under pressure. "To have that start, and then someone like Sanju and Tilak batting that way and taking the tempo ahead from where Abhishek left (cannot say from where I left it). Sanju not opening, going down the order, taking responsibility and Tilak taking confidence and responsibility, that was good to see." Looking ahead to the final showdown with Pakistan, the skipper offered a cool heads-up. "Let's have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. Few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow and we will turn up the same way we did today. What I wanted from the boys, just trying to execute their plans, be clear and not to fear, that was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final." Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka was gracious in defeat. He admitted that India’s spin duo Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav changed the game during the chase. But he remained upbeat about his team’s performance throughout the tournament. "It was a fabulous game, of course. I think we were in the game and we were handling the game pretty nicely until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those really nice overs," he said. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka dazzled with a 58-ball 107, winning Player of the Match, while Kusal Perera’s fiery 58 off 32 balls pushed Sri Lanka to 202 runs, tying the game before the Super Over. "It was unbelievable hitting (by Nissanka and Perera). They (India) got really experienced bowlers but they (Nissanka and Perera) batted extremely well," Asalanka added. He summed up the team’s campaign positively: "Lot of positives throughout the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket but we could not manage to win in the last two games. As captain, lot of positives in the side." So, gear up for a blockbuster final as India and Pakistan get ready to clash for glory!

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Tags: Asia cup 2025, Suryakumar yadav, Arshdeep singh, India cricket, Sri lanka cricket, Super over,