A dead-rubber became the most thrilling game of the Asia Cup on Friday, September 26. India and Sri Lanka produced an entertaining contest, which resulted in the tournament’s first Super Over at the Dubai International Stadium. Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka’s record-breaking century went in vain as Arshdeep Singh flaunted his ability to stay in the moment and deliver with the ball under pressure, yet again.

For Suryakumar Yadav’s India, it was a wake-up call and a nice workout before the big final against Pakistan, scheduled for September 28, Sunday.

Sri Lanka and India were tied at 202 for 5 at the end of 40 overs with Suryakumar’s men surviving a scare that came from Nissanka’s sensational shot-making ability. However, it was an anti-climax for the Lankans in the Super Over as they managed just 2 runs in five deliveries.

SL vs BAN Super 4 Highlights | Scorecard

India also extended their perfect record in tied T20I games. They have won six out of six, dating back to the bowl out against Pakistan in the inaugural edition of the T20 World cup.

Earlier in the day, India flaunted their batting might after Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to field. Abhishek Sharma, unlike in the last two games, did not get off to a flyer. He was watchful in the first over, bowled by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Nuwan Thushara. However, his eyes lit up when he saw spin as early as the second over. Abhishek launched mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana into the mid-wicket stands to signal his intent.

Even after Shubman Gill fell to a stunning catch off Maheesh Theekshana as early as the second over, Abhishek did not hold back and ensured India were on the front foot in the powerplay.

Abhishek Sharma kept India’s momentum alive, guiding them to 71 runs in the powerplay. He settled into rhythm in the third over against Nuwan Thushara, striking two boundaries, before punishing Dushmantha Chameera with a six and a pair of fours in the fifth, taking India past 50 in quick time.

Abhishek showed sharp awareness of the pitch and timed the ball sweetly, in contrast to skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who continued to struggle for fluency. Suryakumar’s lean run extended as he was dismissed for 12 off 13 deliveries in the seventh over.

Abhishek hit 61 off 31 balls, smashing two sixes and eight boundaries. During the course of his third successive fifty in tournament, the left-handed opener from Punjab also broke Virat Kohli’s record for most runs by an India in a single edition of the Asia Cup. In fact, he became the first man to go past 300 in an edition of the tournament in the T20I format.

Abhishek’s innings ended in the ninth over when he miscued an attempted big hit off part-timer Charith Asalanka. On commentary, Sunil Gavaskar rued the youngster missing a golden chance to notch up a maiden T20I hundred.

Although that milestone has eluded him in this Asia Cup, Abhishek has stood out for his consistency, scoring at least 30 in all six innings and underlining why he sits atop the T20I batting rankings.

More to follow.

– Ends