Cricket fans were treated to a breathtaking contest as India defeated Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over after both teams ended with the same score of 202/5 in their 20 overs. It was a match full of big hits, brave batting, and tense moments, ending with India holding their nerve when it mattered most. The match then went into a Super Over, where India held their nerve—thanks to Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant bowling and Suryakumar Yadav’s calm finishing touch—to clinch victory.

India’s Innings – Abhishek Sets the Stage

India’s innings began with a blazing start. After Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, Abhishek Sharma wasted no time in attacking the bowlers. The young left-hander played with fearless intent, smashing 61 runs off just 31 balls, decorated with 8 fours and 2 sixes. His timing and shot placement were spot on, and at a strike rate close to 200, he gave India exactly the kind of platform they wanted.

At the other end, Shubman Gill (4 off 3) fell early, caught and bowled by Theekshana, but Abhishek kept counter-attacking. He found a strong ally in Suryakumar Yadav, but the Indian skipper couldn’t convert his start and was trapped lbw by Hasaranga for 12. Still, with Abhishek in full flow, India raced past 70 inside the powerplay.

The real stability came from Tilak Varma, who played a calm yet aggressive hand. His unbeaten 49 from 34 balls showed maturity beyond his years. He rotated strike smartly and punished the loose deliveries, ensuring the innings didn’t lose momentum after Abhishek’s dismissal in the 9th over.

The fireworks in the middle overs came from Sanju Samson, who looked in superb touch. He struck 39 from just 23 balls, including three towering sixes, one of which sailed into the stands to lift India’s run rate further. Samson and Tilak’s partnership added crucial impetus, carrying India close to the 160-mark.

Although Hardik Pandya fell cheaply for 2 and skipper Suryakumar was back early, Axar Patel provided the finishing kick. His 21 not out off 15 balls, with a six and a four, pushed India past the 200-run mark.

By the end of 20 overs, India had posted a commanding 202/5, a total that looked enough to put Sri Lanka under immense pressure in the chase.

Sri Lanka’s Chase – Nissanka Leads the Charge

Chasing 203, Sri Lanka had an early blow when Kusal Mendis departed for a golden duck, caught by Shubman Gill off Hardik Pandya. But that setback brought Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera together, and they turned the match into a thriller.

Nissanka played one of his best T20I knocks, scoring a sensational 107 off 58 balls. He was aggressive yet composed, finding boundaries with ease and hitting 7 fours and 6 sixes. His timing was flawless, and he carried the chase almost single-handedly.

Kusal Perera provided strong support, smashing 58 off 32 balls with 8 fours and a six. The duo stitched together a massive stand of 127 runs for the second wicket, taking Sri Lanka from 7/1 to 134/2 and putting them firmly in the hunt.

After Perera fell in the 13th over, Sri Lanka’s chase lost a bit of momentum. Skipper Charith Asalanka (5) and Kamindu Mendis (3) fell cheaply, but Nissanka kept pushing. His dismissal in the 19th over, caught by Shubman Gill off Kuldeep Yadav, was the turning point.

With 12 needed off the final over, Dasun Shanaka (22 off 11)* tried to pull off a heist, striking two boundaries and a six, but India’s bowlers held their nerve. Sri Lanka finished exactly on 202/5, forcing the game into a Super Over.

The Super Over 

In the Super Over, India turned to Arshdeep Singh, and he delivered under pressure. He dismissed Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka cheaply, conceding only 2 runs.

With just 3 runs needed, Suryakumar Yadav calmly hit the winning runs off the very first ball, sealing victory for India in style.

Brief Scores

India: 202/5 (20 overs) – Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49*, Sanju Samson 39; Theekshana 1/36

Sri Lanka: 202/5 (20 overs) – Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58; Kuldeep 1/31, Varun 1/31

Super Over: Sri Lanka 2/2, India 3/0 – India won by Super Over

India’s thrilling win in the Super Over not only showed their batting firepower but also their ability to stay calm under pressure. Sri Lanka fought bravely on the back of Nissanka’s stunning century, but it just wasn’t enough in the end.