The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Sri Lanka on September 26 in Dubai turned into a nail-biting contest that was decided in a Super Over. After a high-voltage finish in regular play, both the teams had everything to fight for, but drama unfolded when Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka took strike.
On the fourth ball of the Super Over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, Dasun Shanaka was adjudged caught behind after a confident appeal from the bowler and wicketkeeper. The on-field umpire raised his finger but Dasun Shanaka immediately opted for a review. Replays showed no spike on UltraEdge, overturning the caught-behind decision. What created confusion, however, was that Dasun Shanaka had also been run out on the same delivery while attempting a run. Normally, that would have meant his dismissal still stood.
According to the rules of the game, Dasun Shanaka was declared not out because once a batter is given out by the on-field umpire (caught behind in this case), the ball becomes dead instantly. Since Dasun Shanaka reviewed that dismissal, the run-out could not be considered. Essentially, the first decision overrides all other possibilities, which is why he survived the appeal in unusual fashion.
But the reprieve did not last long. On the very next ball, Dasun Shanaka attempted to go big but mistimed his shot and was caught by Jitesh Sharma at third man. This made him the second Sri Lankan wicket to fall in the Super Over.
Sri Lanka, already under pressure, could manage only two runs from the five legal deliveries bowled in the tie-breaker, losing both the batters in the process. Their final Super Over score of 2 for 2 left India chasing just 3 runs for victory.
India made the target look easy by sealing the win on the very first ball and extending their unbeaten streak in the tournament to six matches. The victory not only highlighted India’s dominance but also set up a scintillating Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India have already beaten Pakistan twice in this edition and Suryakumar Yadav’s men will aim to complete a hat-trick of wins while lifting the Asia Cup trophy for a record-extending ninth time in the competition’s 41-year history.
