Asia Cup 2025 Nissanka’s dazzling ton in vain as India triumph in Super Over

Pathum Nissanka hit his maiden T20I hundred vs India (Photo credits: AFP)

By Champika Fernando in Dubai

India edged out Sri Lanka in a nerve-jangling Super Over finish after a dazzling century from Pathum Nissanka had threatened to script a fairytale chase in Dubai last night. Though the contest was a dead rubber in terms of qualification, it produced one of the most gripping clashes of the Super Four stage as Sri Lanka matched India’s 202 before falling just short in the tie-breaker.

In the Super Over, Sri Lanka’s hopes evaporated quickly. Both Kusal Janith Perera and Dasun Shanaka perished in search of quick runs, leaving India the simplest of tasks – three to win, which they knocked off with the first ball.

Nissanka’s maiden T20 hundred lit up the evening, an innings defined by poise, timing, and controlled aggression. Yet his heroics were in vain as India, resting their spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, found just enough bite in their attack and the composure to hold their nerve at the death.

Batting first, India had set the tone with a commanding 202 for five. Abhishek Sharma once again stole the show at the top, blazing his way to a third consecutive half-century in the tournament. His 61 off just 31 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries and two sixes, gave India early momentum despite the loss of captain Suryakumar Yadav to Wanindu Hasaranga. Sharma’s dismissal by Charith Asalanka left India wobbling at 92 for three, but Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson steadied the ship with a lively stand. Samson’s cameo of 39 from 23 balls ended courtesy of Shanaka, while Hardik Pandya fell cheaply to Dushmantha Chameera. Still, India finished with a flourish through Varma and Axar Patel, their unbeaten 40-run stand propelling the total beyond 200.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to maintain control across the innings. Theekshana, Hasaranga, Asalanka, Shanaka, and Chameera all picked up a wicket apiece, but no one was able to apply sustained pressure. By the time Patel and Varma pushed India past the 200 mark, the attack looked flat and deflated.

If India’s batting had looked commanding, the Sri Lankan chase turned the match on its head. Losing Kusal Mendis early, the reply soon gathered pace through Nissanka and Kusal Janith Perera. The pair launched a blistering assault, adding 127 runs off just 70 deliveries for the second wicket. Perera was particularly destructive, smashing 58 off 34 balls with eight boundaries and a six, while Nissanka’s knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression, mixing elegance with raw power.

At 134 for two in the 13th over, Sri Lanka appeared well on course for the highest successful chase of the tournament. But India’s breakthrough came courtesy of Varun Chakravarthy, who deceived Perera in flight and allowed Sanju Samson to complete a smart stumping. The wicket halted Sri Lanka’s momentum, and around Nissanka the middle order folded. Asalanka scratched his way to five before holing out, while Kamindu Mendis managed just three.

Nissanka, however, was unflappable. He reached his century in grand fashion, launching Arshdeep Singh over long-on for six – the first ton of the tournament. His 107 from 58 balls, laced with seven fours and six sixes, was an innings of rare class under pressure.

Sri Lanka needed 12 off the final over, and Sri Lanka could only muster 11, sending the game into a Super Over. There, India showed greater composure, sealing a narrow win in a contest that will be remembered as one of the thrillers of this Asia Cup.