High drama, controversy, and a nail-biting finish—cricket fans witnessed it all as India edged past Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over to close their final Super 4 clash at the Asia Cup on September 27, 2025. While the match was technically a dead rubber with India already through to the final and Sri Lanka eliminated, the action on the field was anything but meaningless. The game, played under the floodlights, delivered a showcase of individual brilliance, tactical gambles, and a rulebook controversy that left fans and players debating long after the last ball was bowled.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 202 for 5 on the back of a blazing 61 off just 31 balls from Abhishek Sharma. The young left-hander continued to impress, making the most of the license given to him by the coaching staff. "Abhishek Sharma is playing his natural game, and they have encouraged him to play his natural game. That’s the key, because if someone is playing naturally, we need to encourage him to continue that," Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya acknowledged in his post-match remarks. Sharma’s aggressive intent set the tone early, while Tilak Varma (unbeaten on 49) and Sanju Samson (39) kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring India put up the highest total by any team in this edition of the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s response was equally spirited. Pathum Nissanka rose to the occasion with a masterful 107 off 58 balls, anchoring the chase and keeping his side in the hunt. Kusal Perera chipped in with a crucial 58, and as the final over approached, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Nissanka’s dismissal on the first ball of the last over—after a marathon effort—proved to be the turning point. "I think Pathum played a brilliant innings to get that total, but unfortunately, he got out on the first ball of the last over. That was a bit unfortunate. But right through those 20 overs, he batted really well to get 100 and put 202 runs on the board. Unfortunately, his dismissal in the last over proved to be the turning point," Jayasuriya reflected.
With both teams locked at 202 after 20 overs, the match headed into a Super Over—cricket’s ultimate test of nerve. But the drama was only just beginning. Sri Lanka, missing the services of Nissanka in the Super Over due to a lingering hamstring injury, could muster only two runs as Arshdeep Singh delivered a clinical over for India. Jayasuriya later explained, "He was carrying a hamstring injury during the last two games and we were a little worried about him." On the very first ball, Arshdeep sent Kusal Perera back to the pavilion, putting the pressure squarely on the Lankans.
Then came the moment that would ignite debate across the cricketing world. On the fourth ball, Dasun Shanaka missed a yorker and ventured out of his crease. Sanju Samson, ever alert, whipped off the bails for what appeared to be a run out. Simultaneously, Arshdeep appealed for a caught behind. The umpire, after a moment’s hesitation, raised his finger for the catch. Replays confirmed there was no edge, and the third umpire, Masudur Rahman, ruled Shanaka not out. But here’s the kicker: because the initial decision was for a caught behind, the ball was deemed dead from that very instant, as per rule 20.1.1.3—"The ball is dead when a batter is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal."
The run out, which occurred after the caught behind decision, was rendered void. As Jayasuriya explained, "According to the rules, if you appeal for the catch, then Dasun had to go by the third umpire’s call. The first decision always counts, not the second one. So he went for the replay, and it was not out. That’s what happened. But I think there are a few areas from this game that will need review to fine-tune the rules." The confusion was evident not just among the players but also in the commentary box and stands, as India captain Suryakumar Yadav sought clarification from the umpires.
Shanaka’s reprieve, however, was short-lived. On the very next delivery, he sliced a catch to deep third, ending Sri Lanka’s Super Over at a meager two runs. India needed just three runs to win—and they wasted no time. Suryakumar Yadav, brimming with confidence, dispatched the first ball through the covers, and the Indian dugout erupted in celebration. India had chased down the target in just one ball, running three runs to seal the deal and head into the final unbeaten.
While the match had no bearing on the tournament’s final lineup—India had already secured their spot to face arch-rivals Pakistan—its significance extended beyond the scoreboard. The controversy surrounding the Super Over incident highlighted the "grey areas" in cricket’s laws, as Jayasuriya put it. The sequence of appeals, decisions, and referrals exposed the complexity of interpreting rules in high-pressure moments. "But overall, I think there are a few grey areas [in terms of the rules at large] that they [officials] have to finetune a bit," Jayasuriya noted, echoing the sentiments of many who witnessed the drama unfold.
For India, the match reaffirmed their depth and adaptability. Abhishek Sharma’s emergence as a fearless opener, Tilak Varma’s composure in the middle, and Arshdeep Singh’s cool head under pressure all bode well for their chances in the final. For Sri Lanka, Nissanka’s century was a silver lining, but the inability to close out matches in the Super 4 stage ultimately cost them a place in the summit clash. The absence of Nissanka in the Super Over, dictated by injury, was a cruel twist for a team that had fought valiantly to the end.
As the dust settles, India turns its attention to the final showdown against Pakistan—a rivalry that needs no introduction. With momentum on their side and lessons learned from a chaotic finish, the Men in Blue will look to carry their form into the tournament’s biggest stage. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will reflect on what might have been, their campaign ending amid controversy and questions for the rule-makers.
One thing’s for sure: this Super Over won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Whether it’s the brilliance of Sharma and Nissanka, the tactical tussles, or the rulebook drama, cricket fans got a taste of everything the sport has to offer. And as the Asia Cup final looms, the excitement only builds from here.
