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New Delhi: India kept their unbeaten run alive in the Asia Cup Super Four stage after a thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka. The match was a thriller till the last bowl with a Super Over deciding the winners after Pathum Nissanka’s spectacular century and Kusal Perera’s aggressive 58-run knock threatened to derail India’s campaign. Despite the tense finish, a worrying sight for Men In Blue was Hardik Pandya leaving the field after bowling just one over while Abhishek Sharma was also temporarily off during Sri Lanka’s innings.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya’s early exit from bowling immediately raised concerns but Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed after the match that both players were dealing with cramps. “Hardik will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning to make a call. Both of them struggled with cramps, but Abhishek is fine,” Morkel said. His update comes as India prepares for the Asia Cup final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.
Earlier in the match, India’s innings saw Abhishek Sharma continue his excellent tournament form, scoring a blistering 61 off 31 balls including eight fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 49* while Sanju Samson added 39 runs, helping India reach a challenging 202/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Sri Lankha started their chase of 200 aggressively with Pathum Nissanka launching a remarkable counter-attack to score a 58-ball 107 and Perera supported him with 58 off 32 balls. Later, Dasun Shanaka contributed 22 from 11 deliveries, making the chase tense and exciting. Despite losing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck to Pandya, Sri Lanka kept the game alive and forced the game into a Super Over. In the decider, India sealed victory comfortably with pacer Arshdeep Singh taking two wickets and the target wiped off in just the first ball.
Morkel emphasised that India still has areas to improve despite their unbeaten streak. He highlighted the need for better strike rotation, smarter bowling variations and sharper fielding under pressure. “After every game, we discuss what can be improved. We know we are not the finished article,” he said.
With a quick turnaround before Sunday’s final, the team will prioritise recovery. Morkel stressed the importance of rest, saying, “The key for the boys is to recover properly. Playing smart in the final will be crucial.”
Though India secured a thrilling Super Four victory but the fitness updates on Pandya and Sharma are being closely monitored as they are the crucial assets of Indian side who will be locking horns with their arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.
