India are due to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28.
The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash between India and Sri Lanka turned out to be one of the most exhilarating contests of the continental tournament.
While the game itself was a dead-rubber with Sri Lanka already out of the competition, the high-scoring thriller went down to a Super Over, leaving players physically drained and forcing Suryakumar Yadav-led side to focus on recovery ahead of the title clash against Pakistan, scheduled just 36 hours later.
After India’s win in the Super Over, Suryakumar acknowledged the toll it took on his squad as he called the inconsequential fixture "a game that felt like a final".
"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 was just 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," Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Indian captain also mentioned that several players had struggled with physical discomfort in the humid conditions of Dubai, especially Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya.
"It felt like a final [laughs]. The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. I told them to play this like a semi-final: get everyone involved, maintain good energy, and then let's see what happens. Good to be on the winning side. To have that start, and then see someone like Sanju and Tilak batting the way they did, 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 gaining confidence and responsibility-that was good to see," he added.
In the Super Over, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh conceded just two runs and picked up two crucial wickets in five balls. Suryakumar Yadav then hit three runs off the first delivery of Wanindu Hasaranga to extend India's unbeaten run in the ongoing Asia Cup.
"Arshdeep has been in that situation many times and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back his own plans and not to think about anything else. We are already in the finals, but focus on your own execution. I have seen him execute his plans and do really well for India and his IPL franchise. His confidence says it all-no one but Arshdeep for that Super Over," Surya explained, highlighting the faith the team has in their young pacer.
Earlier, sent into bat, India posted 202/5 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of Abhishek Sharma’s 31-ball 61, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma (49* off 34 balls), Sanju Samson (39 off 23) and Axar Patel (21* off 15) also made significant contributions.
In the chase, Pathum Nissanka played a whirlwind knock of 107 in 58 balls, but Sri Lanka were restricted to 202/5 in 20 overs. Kusal Perera chipped in with a 32-ball 58. Kuldeep Yadav (1/31), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/31), Hardik Pandya (1/7), Arshdeep Singh (1/46) and Harshit Rana (1/54) shared the wickets for India.