India posts 202/5 in Dubai; Pathum Nissanka leads Sri Lanka chase — full IND vs SL Asia Cup Super Four live recap, scorecard, stats, and what’s next.
Quick snapshot — India vs Sri Lanka
India posted a big total (around 202/5) in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at Dubai International Stadium; Sri Lanka — still alive in the chase — looked to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera to answer as the chase unfolded. (Live score sources: Indian Express, NDTV, ESPN Cricinfo livefeed).
TL;DR (what the reader needs to know right now)
- India (bat first): 202/5 in 20 overs — big knocks from Abhishek Sharma (61 off 31) and Tilak Varma (49* off 34) powered a 200+ platform. Axar, Sanju and contributions down the order helped accelerate late.
- Sri Lanka (chase live): Pathum Nissanka was the on-fire man for Sri Lanka early in the chase (quick fifty in the powerplay), with Kusal Perera providing support; India struck back through early dismissals (Hardik Pandya struck early) but Sri Lanka’s reply remained lively. Live scorelines reported SL ~72/1–89/1 at various check-ins.
- Context: This Super Four fixture was a dead-rubber in terms of finalists (India & Pakistan already into the final), but both teams used it — India to fine-tune combos and Sri Lanka to find momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup cycle.
Latest live updates (what happened during innings) — sourced from live match blogs
India innings — how the 200+ score was built
- Explosive start & big partnerships: India were aggressive from ball-one. Abhishek Sharma exploded (61 off 31) and combined with other hitters to keep the scoreboard ticking at a 10–14 RPO rate in patches.
- Shubman Gill early exit: A flashpoint: Shubman Gill was dismissed early by a stunning caught-and-bowled from Maheesh Theekshana — a highlight-reel moment that could have shifted momentum. (Multiple live feeds captured the athletic wicket).
- Middle-order stability: Tilak Varma (≈49* off 34) steadied and accelerated when needed; Sanju Samson and Axar Patel provided late hitting and finishing power. Axar finished with a flourish (six on the final ball in live reports). India ultimately pushed past 200 — a benchmark total on a Dubai wicket.
Why 200+ matters here: In Dubai YOU can defend 170 on a low-bounce night, but totals north of 190 are psychologically strong — the bowlers get options, and the fielding side can choose attacking fields early. India used the match to test death-bowling options and batting depth.
Sri Lanka chase (live narrative)
- Toss & decision: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, but the pitch in Dubai has seen teams chase effectively — Sri Lanka’s captain opted to bowl (reported in pregame notes). India nevertheless posted 200+.
- Pathum Nissanka setting the tone: Nissanka launched an aggressive reply — quick boundaries and an attacking intent — reaching a rapid fifty (reports show Nissanka 49(24) and then 50 off roughly 24 balls at various live ticks). Kusal Perera supported with brisk scoring.
- India strikes & pressure phases: Hardik Pandya bagged an early wicket (Kusal Mendis out first ball/dubbed a “golden duck” by several live blogs). India used Varun Arshdeep/Harshit/Varun Chakaravarthy in death/pressure overs depending on the match state. Sri Lanka were reported at 72/1, 89/1 and 110/1 at different check-ins — the chase was alive and match still in progress during these updates.
Key live-match observation: Even in a “dead-rubber,” players were experimenting with roles — Sri Lanka testing Nissanka as a match-winner and India giving fringe bowlers and death-over options real match minutes before the final.
Player spotlight — who to watch (why they matter to this series & 2025–26 T20 cycle)
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) — the power-hitter finding rhythm
- Why he matters: Nissanka is an established white-ball run-machine: his rapid fifty(s) in this game again remind selectors of his ability to dominate powerplays and reset strike rates for middle-order chasers. He’s an early front-runner to be Sri Lanka’s top T20 batter in the coming cycle if this form continues.
Abhishek Sharma (India) — explosive young opener
- Why he matters: Abhishek’s 61 off 31 (live reports) demonstrates India’s opening depth; he’s become a “go-to” T20 aggressive left-hander able to create powerplay pressure. With Rohit/Gill rotations in flux, Abhishek is establishing a case for regular tournament starts.
Tilak Varma & Axar Patel — finishers and balance
- Varma’s 49* and Axar’s late hitting gave India critical late-over acceleration. Axar (a left-arm spinner who can bat) provides balance and finishing depth; both remain key assets for team strategy building.
Maheesh Theekshana (SL) — a showstopper
- Theekshana’s athletic caught-and-bowled to remove Shubman Gill was one of the highlights of the evening — a reminder Sri Lanka has wicket-taking spin weapons who can turn games in the middle overs.
Tactical & coaching notes — what both teams are testing
India
- Rotation & fine-tuning: With the final already secured, India used this game to rotate (Bumrah & Dube rested per pre-match notes) and test bench options for death bowling and powerplay hitting. That paid off with the 200+ score that let them examine bowling combos in the field.
- Death-over practice: Arshdeep/Harshit/Varun pieces saw overs that could be repurposed for final planning. India also tested match situations for Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy and tactically managing wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka
- Hunt for momentum: Eliminated from the final race, Sri Lanka used the game to try out batting structures and give Nissanka the green light to dominate. Theekshana & Hasaranga remain the spin axis for middle overs and were used to apply pressure.
Statistical snapshot & match data (as reported live)
Note: these were live numbers taken while the match was in progress. For the final, authoritative boxscore, check ESPN Cricinfo / ICC match page after the game ends.
- India innings: ~202/5 (20.0 overs). Top scores: Abhishek Sharma 61(31), Tilak Varma 49*(34), Sanju Samson 39(23) per some live summaries. Axar’s late six closed the innings in live reports.
- Sri Lanka chase (live): Pathum Nissanka around 49–50 off mid-20s; Kusal Perera 24–37* in different live ticks. Team at various stages: 45/1 (4.0), 72/1 (6.0), 89/1 (8.0) — match continuing. (mint)
- Top bowlers (India): Harshit Rana and Arshdeep had early overs; Kuldeep and Varun were in the rotation as spinner options. Sri Lankan bowlers included Theekshana, Hasaranga, Chameera — all used in tactical spells.
The bigger picture — tournament & what’s at stake
- Asia Cup places / final scenario: India and Pakistan had already qualified for the final prior to this match (per live tournament updates). This game was largely about momentum, match practice and fine-tuning. Pakistan beat Bangladesh to reach the final alongside India. The IND vs SL match was therefore an opportunity for India to practice combinations and for Sri Lanka to test players under pressure. (Indiatimes)
- T20 World Cup implications: With the T20 World Cup approaching next year, both teams are using Asia Cup data to refine squads, especially in powerplay plans and death-over executions. Players like Nissanka, Abhishek, and Theekshana are staking claims on roles for selectors.
Where to watch — broadcast & streaming (international guide)
- India: Live updates and coverage across ESPN (and partner streams). Some local outlets also listed DD Sports/Sony as rights for some matches — check your domestic provider. Live commentary and highlights were widely available on ESPN/Indian Express/NDTV liveblogs.
- Sri Lanka / global: Fans can follow via ESPNcricinfo live page, local sports broadcasters in Sri Lanka, and regional streaming partners. Laid-out live scorecards are on Indian Express, NDTV, Mint, and Firstpost.
Quotes & social pulse (what players and commentators were saying)
- Sri Lanka captain (pre-match tone): Charith Asalanka said the game was a chance to fight and prove a point despite being out of final contention. (Live pre-match comments).
- Indian approach: Suryakumar’s team and coaching staff used the game to run combinations; live reports noted Bumrah rested and younger bowlers being tested — part of a broader India plan. (Republic World)
- Social media: Clips of Theekshana’s caught-and-bowled and Abhishek’s power-hitting were trending across X/Twitter and Instagram — typical for big Asia Cup moments. (The Times of India)
FAQs fans search for (quick answers)
Q: What was India’s final score vs Sri Lanka?
A: India posted about 202/5 in 20 overs (live score reports — check official match page for the final confirmation). (The Indian Express)
Q: Who scored for India?
A: Abhishek Sharma (61 off 31), Tilak Varma (≈49* off 34), Sanju Samson (≈39), plus late contributions.
Q: How is Sri Lanka chase going?
A: At various live checks Sri Lanka were around 72/1–89/1 with Pathum Nissanka looking dangerous; match still in progress at the time of reporting. (NDTV Sports)
Q: Where can I find the official scorecard?
A: ESPN Cricinfo live match page, ICC match centre and Indian Express/NDTV live blogs host the official ball-by-ball and final boxscore. (ESPN Cricinfo)