Sri Lanka went down fighting at the hands of India and it was a heartbreak for them. They played and challenged India for better part of the game but failed to close the game out. In the end, the match ended in a tie and then India prevailed in a super over. There were lots of positives to take for Sri Lanka from this match going forward. But there were areas where they lacked a little and lost out on the key moments. We will try and ascertain three reasons for their loss to India.
Inability to finish game haunts Sri Lanka again
Sri Lanka put in a decent performance with the ball despite conceding over 200 runs as it was a belter of a track in Dubai. In the chase, they lost Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. But then it was the Pathum Nissanka show as his superlative maiden T20I ton powered Sri Lanka forward. He needed support and he got that from Kusal Perera who got 58 runs and when these two were playing, Sri Lanka were cruising to the target. It was their game to lose.
But with the target in sight, they failed to close the deal. The run rate was under control and they had wickets in hand, but they faltered in the end. India came back well with the ball but Sri Lanka panicked in the chase after Kusal Perera was dismissed. The likes of Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis wilted under pressure while Dasun Shanaka kept the fight going till the end but could not quite take the side home but at least he forced a super over.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka needs to put in more of a collective performance and perform as a unit to succeed. They did well for most parts but failed to cross the line. The Lankans need to make sure they cross over the line in these tense chases as earlier also against India in a bilateral series they faltered like this. They should not repeat the same mistakes that they did yesterday and makes sure they finish the job. Finishing is an art and Sri Lanka needs to learn this as soon as possible in order to do well in big events.
Underperformance of Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis hurts Sri Lanka at a critical juncture
Despite conceding 202 with the ball and losing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, Sri Lanka were very much in the chase through the 127-run second wicket stand between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. This partnership changed the game and put Sri Lanka as favourites to win the game and inflict a first loss to India. They were cruising towards the win when Kusal Perera got out for 58. With Nissanka still out there, all he needed was support from the other end.
But when the second wicket fell, Sri Lanka faltered as India tightened the screws. Captain Charith Asalanka promoted himself to Number 4 and flattered to deceive as he made only 5 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav. Kamindu Mendis came in next and scored only 3 off 7 balls before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh. This is where Sri Lanka lost the plot and momentum. Yes, Nissanka was there and Shanaka came and played a cameo but the failures of these two players not only tonight but whole of Asia Cup proved to be detrimental for the Lankan lions.
Both Asalanka and Kamindu will want to bounce back from this disappointment and roar back into form in their upcoming assignments as the Asia Cup is over for them. These two failed with the bat throughout the tournament and they will have to get runs if Sri Lanka wants to be consistent and be a competitive team in this format. Yes, loads of positives from this game, but glaring gape holes have been found also in this game which Sri Lanka needs to address as soon as possible.
Inability to stop Abhishek Sharma pegs Sri Lanka back
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted their preferred method of chasing. They got the wicket of Shubman Gill very early in the innings. But they had no answers to the man in form Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek looked unstoppable and played the bowling with aplomb. He bit shots all along the ground and targeted every area of the ground and was complimented by Tilak Varma from the other end.
It seemed Sri Lanka did not have a proper plan against Abhishek to get his wicket as he continued his merry ways like he does. There was no effort to get him out as his dismissal could have created panic and confusion in the Indian camp. The fast bowlers went for runs and the spinners went the distance as well as the likes of Hasaranga and Theekshana went for a few more runs than they would have liked. The new ball bowlers were all over the place as well.
Going forward, Sri Lanka needs to be more incisive in their bowling and come back with better plans against quality sides. If Sri Lanka fail to take early wickets going forward, this team is going to struggle for quite a while. If they get wickets, they will make it easier for themselves. Sri Lanka have plenty of time for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March 2026 and they will need to fine tune their skills and playing squad ahead of what will be another marquee event to look forward to for all concerned.
What Lies Ahead
So, we are all set for the grand finale of Asia Cup 2025 as the Super 4s stage has come to an end. It will be India vs Pakistan for the first time in a Asia Cup final which will be played in Dubai on 28th September i.e. Sunday at 8 PM IST. This promises to be an intense clash and one that can go either ways. India might be slight favourites on paper, but do not count Pakistan out by any means. Do it in your own peril as the Men in Green has nothing to lose in the final.
So, the stage is set. Who will come out on top? Men in Blue or Men in Green? Only time will tell as we wait for Super Sunday to come along and the game to begin which will be exciting to say the least.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: India Clinch A Thrilling Super Over After Match Ends In A Tie