India won a dramatic Super Over against Sri Lanka in their last Super Four match of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Wednesday.
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised his side's resilience, especially emphasizing the work of middle-order batsmen Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and bowler Arshdeep Singh, whose calmness in the Super Over limited Sri Lanka to merely two runs.
Although it was a dead rubber, the match became a high-scoring one, with both teams crossing 200 runs. Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka hit a stunning 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 also said that a few players had cramps because of the heat but assured that they would have a recovery day on Saturday before the finals.
Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka complimented Nissanka's century and was hopeful in spite of his team's winless Super Four campaign.
"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.
Sri Lanka chose to field after the toss. India's innings began with initial setbacks, with Shubman Gill getting out for 4 and Suryakumar for 12. Abhishek Sharma maintained his good form, with 61 from 31 balls that included eight fours and two sixes, making him the first batter to reach 300 runs in the T20I Asia Cup.
The Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (39) middle-order partnership was crucial, adding a 66-run alliance that contributed to India reaching a total of 202/5 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka's run chase started badly with Kusal Mendis getting out for a golden duck, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera mounted a spirited counter-attack. Nissanka got 107 runs from 58 balls, while Perera made 58 runs from 32 balls. Dasun Shanaka chipped in a swift 22, sending the game into a Super Over as both sides ended tied.
In bowling, Kuldeep Yadav was India's best bowler with 1/31, while two wickets were captured by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka.
In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh performed well, restricting Sri Lanka to a mere two runs and grabbing two wickets. India completed the target in one ball only.
Pathum Nissanka was given Player of the Match for his sublime century. The victory maintained India's unbeaten record and qualified them for the final, while Sri Lanka's unbeaten record was broken without a win after they entered the Super Four stage.
