India kept their unbeaten streak alive in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with an exciting Super Over triumph against Sri Lanka in Dubai. The game acted as a dead rubber before the final but turned out to be a thriller after Pathum Nissanka’s stunning century nearly spoiled India’s streak. 

India batted first and made 202/5 which is their highest total of the tournament thus far. Abhishek Sharma gave India a blazing start, scoring 61 runs off 31 balls and hitting seven fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma anchored the middle overs with an unbeaten 49 off 34, while Sanju Samson contributed 24. Sri Lanka picked wickets at regular intervals but could not stop India from crossing the 200-run mark comfortably.

Sri Lanka’s chase was led by Nissanka, who scored his maiden T20I century, and Kusal Perera, who added 54 off 27. Together, they stitched a record 127-run partnership and kept Sri Lanka in the game. However, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy slowed the scoring in the middle overs, triggering a mini-collapse. The game went down to the final ball, with three runs needed. Nissanka was dismissed first ball of the last over, and Dasun Shanaka managed only two, tying the match at 202. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh bowled superbly, dismissing both Perera and Shanaka for just two runs, allowing India to win off the first ball through Suryakumar Yadav’s three-run strike.

IND vs SL: Who Said What?

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain):

"It felt like a final (laughs). The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. Told them to play this like a semi-final. Get everyone close in, have good energy and then let's see what happens. Good to be on the winning side. To have that start, and then someone like Sanju and Tilak batting that way and taking the tempo ahead from where Abhishek left (cannot say from where I left it)…Sanju not opening, going down the order, taking responsibility and Tilak taking confidence and responsibility, that was good to see. Arshdeep has been in that situation a lot of time and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back your own plans and not to think about anything. We are already in the finals, but have your own plans and execute it. I have seen him execute his plans, do really well for India and his IPL franchise. His confidence says it all and no one but Arshdeep for that Super Over. Let's have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. Few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow and we will turn up the same way we did today. What I wanted from the boys, just trying to execute their plans, be clear and not to fear, that was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final."

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan final to be screened live in 100+ cinemas by PVR Inox

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain):

"It was a fabulous game and we were in the game until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those middle overs. It was unbelievable batting (from Nissanka), they have some extremely good bowlers and it was really good to see him bat with that attacking approach. Lots of positives from the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket and unfortunately we couldn't win in the last 2 games. As a captain, there are a lot of positives to take."

Pakistan produced an all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. Chasing 134, Pakistan crossed the finish line with 12 balls to spare, riding on a match-winning stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz after losing early wickets.

Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, struggled to find rhythm in their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing Kusal Mendis for a duck and Pathum Nissanka soon after. Kusal Perera’s brief cameo was ended by Haris Rauf, while captain Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka fell in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble. Kamindu Mendis offered resistance with a well-made 50 off 44 balls, but with little support apart from Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*), Sri Lanka were restricted to 133/8 in 20 overs. Afridi starred with 3/28, Hussain Talat chipped in with two key strikes, and Abrar Ahmed’s spell of 4-0-8-0 built crucial pressure.

In reply, Pakistan started briskly with Sahibzada Farhan’s 24 off 15 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s 17, but both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the Powerplay. Hasaranga’s double strike then reduced Pakistan to 57/4, raising Sri Lanka’s hopes. However, Hussain Talat (32 off 30) and Mohammad Nawaz (38* off 24) steadied the chase with a 58-run partnership. Nawaz’s clean hitting in the final overs sealed victory, as Pakistan reached 138/5 in 18 overs.

SL vs PAK: Who Said What?

Hussain Talat (Player of the Match):

It is difficult as it is hot. The conditions were not easy. I took my time. The conditions don't allow you to go full fledged even if you want to play aggressive cricket. The captain and coach talked to me. The plan was go to and attack. But I backed my gut feeling. I wanted to take some time and then felt the boundaries will come. There was a lot of humidity. My energy was low. At the end, we decided he will go for the big shots. I was working on my bowling quite a lot with my bowling coach. I had to back my plan B. If I bowl two good overs, I knew my team will benefit.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Super Four 4th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Salman Agha (Pakistan Captain):

I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach has been working really hard with him. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan.

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain):

If you lose 5 wickets before the 10th over, it will be hard. The surface was good. They bowled and fielded really well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we didn't give up and fought really hard. Hasaranga is a super star in white ball cricket.

Mohammed Nabi’s incredible innings, including five successive sixes, crunched Afghanistan during the Asia Cup 2025 encounter, over the 165-run mark in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings. It was a score that could have been defended by them if they could bowl well in the right line and length. However, they were irregular with their line and got punished.

In the middle overs when the spinners came into the attack, it was vital for them to pick wickets. Rashid Khan, the captain, had a huge responsibility on his shoulders, and he displayed that with a fine catch on the penultimate delivery of the over.

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammad Nabi smashes five consecutive sixes in 20th over of SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 clash

The Sri Lanka captain, Charith Asalanka, smashed a boundary on the second ball of the 15th over and looked to pull Noor Ahmed for another big shot. But he skewed it up in the timing as the ball went flat in the air, where Rashid ran forward from the deep mid-wicket region and slipped in attempting the catch, but still kept it in both hands to provide them the crucial wicket.

Watch: Rashid Khan’s fantastic catch keeps Afghanistan alive in SL vs AFG clash

With the ball, the premier leg spinner gave away only 23 runs in his spell of four overs, but he didn’t get a single wicket, which was a little issue in the area. On the third ball of the 16th over, he nearly injured his shoulder after Kamindu Mendis got a leading edge looking to close the bat face. Rashid attempted a run-out and had nearly made it.

Rashid Khan pulls off a stunner to dismiss fellow captain Charith Asalanka 💥

Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GpbhoShnXu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025

Mendis played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into the Super 4 stage of the event as Afghanistan got eliminated with a six-wicket defeat. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with the help of 10 boundaries.

He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis from the other end, as the southpaw drilled 26 runs in 13 balls at a strike rate of 200, thanks to two sixes. Noor Ahmed didn’t have a good outing as he finished with 1/37 in three overs.

Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the decisive third T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, September 7. With the series locked at 1-1, both teams will be eager to secure victory and take home the trophy. In the second T20I, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that worked perfectly as Sri Lanka endured a nightmare with the bat, collapsing for just 80 runs in 17.4 overs.

See Also: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma comes out of car to handle crazy crowd as video goes viral

Brad Evans and Sikandar Raza were the standout performers with the ball, each claiming three wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Chasing a modest target of 81, Zimbabwe faced some resistance but managed to cross the finish line in 14.2 overs, sealing the contest by five wickets. Sikandar Raza’s brilliant all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award, and he will once again be crucial as Zimbabwe aim for a series victory.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I: Live Streaming Details

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe:

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando

Sri Lanka has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Despite the Asia Cup 2025 to follow just a few days after the end of the trip, they have picked a strong 50-over side, perhaps for the preparation of the next ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t part of the three 50-over fixtures, which begin on August 29 and will continue to August 31 and September 03, as all the games will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The spinner isn’t part of the side in ODIs and is expected to be part of the T20Is, which will be followed by the Asia Cup 2025 a few days later.

See Also: [WATCH] Prithvi Shaw reacts to his love for Chennai after century in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Pathum Nissanka has cracked the formats beautifully recently. In 69 ODI innings, the right-handed batter has smashed 2548 runs at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of nearly 90 with the help of six centuries and 16 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 210 runs.

Sri Lanka rest Wanindu Hasaranga for away Zimbabwe ODIs

The responsibility of the captain will be immense. Leader, Charith Asalanakar, who has now clubbed 2544 runs in 68 innings at an average of 43.86 and a strike rate of 90.88, with five centuries and 16 fifties at the best score of 127 runs, will look to lead the side from the front.  

Maheesh Theekshana who has 77 wickets in 54 ODI innings, at an average of 26.26 and an economy rate of 4.57. He has the skill of handling the new ball beautifully and picking inside the power play. Asitha Fernando has also grown with skills for the new ball bowling.

Sri Lanka will also have Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay to use the old ball in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera will be another fast bowler who can use his expressive pace to trouble the batters.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe series

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyange, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

Sri Lanka have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Dinesh Chandimal’s return to the shortest format after three years has been the major headline for the side as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in India.

Chandimal, who has smashed 1062 T20I runs in 61 innings at a strike rate of 103.60, returns to the national side. His last game of the format came in November 2022 against Australia in Kandy. However, his comeback for Sri Lanka isn’t surprising, with the veteran cracking 287 runs in 10 LPL games last year at a strike rate of nearly 170. 

The opening game of the series will take place on July 10, in Pallekele, before the action moves to Dambulla after a two-day break. On July 16, the final encounter of the series will take place in Colombo. It's incredibly vital for the players to perform in this series at home, as the T20 World Cup 2026 is knocking on the door. Most players, whose position in the side, hasn't been sealed yet, will face an acid test against Bangladesh. 

Sri Lanka announce their squad of inform players for the Bangladesh series

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the 2014 T20 champions. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who has been in tremendous touch during this multi-format series, has retained his place. In 61 innings, the right-handed batter has clubbed 1734 runs at a strike rate of 120.41, thanks to 14 half-centuries.

Sri Lanka’s biggest boost has come in the form of Matheesha Pathirana’s return. The pacer didn’t enjoy a great IPL 2025 campaign for the Chennai Super Kings, with just 13 wickets in 12 innings at an economy of over 10. But his form will be vital for the side’s death over bowling.

SEE ALSO: Wiaan Mulder slams triple ton, joins Hashim Amla in South Africa’s elite Test records

Kusal Perera has also retained his place in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad. At 34, the veteran, who has accumulated 2056 T20I runs in 76 innings at a strike rate of 134.11, will look to make the most of the opportunities. Along with Pathirana, this side has covered their pace unit with experience. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga have a huge role to play in the spin department. The former will take care of the power, while Hasaranga will look to counter the middle overs.

Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for Bangladesh series:

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka has named a 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to be played on July 2, 5, and 8. The series will begin in Colombo with the first two matches at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, while the third and final ODI will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Charith Asalanka, who has emerged as a key figure in Sri Lankan cricket since being appointed captain last year, will continue to lead the side in the 50-over format. His leadership at home will be crucial as Sri Lanka looks to build momentum. One of the most in-form players, Pathum Nissanka, who has already notched back-to-back centuries in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, is expected to carry his excellent form into the ODIs.

The squad sees the return of several experienced campaigners, such as Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana, all of whom are set to play key roles. Milan Rathnayake, who was ruled out of the second Test due to injury, has also been named in the ODI squad, although his availability will depend on fitness clearance. The ODI series will be followed by a T20I series between the two sides.

Asalanka to lead as Nissanka eyes more runs

Charith Asalanka’s presence brings continuity in leadership, while the inclusion of in-form players like Nissanka adds firepower to Sri Lanka’s top order. Nissanka, with his recent red-ball exploits, will be keen to dominate in the white-ball format as well. With a good blend of youth and experience, the hosts will look to take full advantage of home conditions against a competitive Bangladesh side.

Bangladesh, on their part, has already announced the return of a star batter and some senior players for the ODI series, raising the stakes for this clash. The upcoming series will not only serve as a continuation of the ongoing rivalry but also as a key preparation platform for future white-ball assignments.

See Also: New Zealand announce squad for T20 tri-series aganist Zimbabwe and South Africa 

Sri Lanka ODI squad vs. Bangladesh:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake*, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.
(Subject to fitness)

ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024 Announced: No Place for Indian, Australian, or England Players

The ICC just released the Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024, and none of the major names from India, Australia, South Africa, or England have any players in it. Instead, the team's filled with four players from Sri Lanka, three from Pakistan, and a couple from Afghanistan which is of major importance because it shows how these countries are stepping up their cricket game in the Modern Cricket.

Pakistan's Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan are the openers. Ayub has scored an impressive 515 runs in just nine matches, and Gurbaz isn't far behind with 531 runs. Additionally, there is Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka taking the No. 3 spot with his amazing 694 runs in 12 matches, followed by Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis, who both have impressive scores too.

ALSO READ: Khaleel Ahmad fifer stops the Karun Nair show on their ongoing Ranji Match

Presenting the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 featuring the finest players from around the world 👏 pic.twitter.com/ic4BSXlXCc

— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2025

Adding to the lineup, West Indies' Sharfane Rutherford made the chance  because of his very powerful batting, achieving up 429 runs. The all rounder slot goes to Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan , he's been amazing with both bat and ball. As for the bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka is leading the spin department with his 26 wickets, and he's joined by Afghanistan's young spinner Allah Ghazanfar. Then you have the fast bowlers, Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have been unfathomably effective in taking wickets. But there is a fact that we can take it as a sure thing that the inclusion of players, mainly from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, sends a clear message cricket is changing.

This year, the ICC picked its ODI Team of the Year and it really showed how Asian teams are taking over the 50 over game. Major players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah from India, and stars from usually strong teams like Australia and England weren't chosen. This is a major change in cricket. People who love cricket and those who study the game are going to watch how these players do next year. They're also watching to see if Asian teams stay ahead in ODI cricket.

During the third and final ODI match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, New Zealand paceman Matt Henry pulls off a near-impossible catch at the long-off boundary to dismiss Charith Asalanka of Sri Lanka for a five-ball duck. While doing so, he also managed to recreate the stunning catch Suryakumar Yadav took to deliver India their second T20 World Cup title. 

See also:

Matt Henry's brilliance on the field lifts the Black Caps up

The incident unfolded during the 30th over of the Lankan innings. Charith Asalanka was facing up to Doug Bracewell from round the wicket. While stilling batting on 0, Asalanka made up his mind to take the aggressive route. But as fate would have it, Asalanka did not succeed in his mission and subsequently holed out to Henry at long-on.

During the second ball of the 30th over, Asalanka used his feet to charge down the wicket. For a moment, it looked like he hit it cleanly. The ball was destined to go over the ropes but Henry had other ideas. Henry covered good ground to his right and completed the catch before releasing it up in the air. He briefly went over the ropes while the ball was airborne but got himself back on the field of play just in the nick of time to complete a brilliant catch thus recreating the Suryakumar-esque catch from the the T20 WC Final.

See the video:

🗣️"Matt Henry's taken a ripper!"

Outstanding work on the boundary from the Canterbury quick and the third Sri Lanka wicket falls LIVE and free in NZ on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+. #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/7elOufEY6H

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025

Current state of the match

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Janith Liyanage notched up well-compiled fifties to drive Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 290. In response, more than half of New Zealand's batting order was dismantled as the hosts found themselves reeling at 48-6 by the end of the 13th over. At the time of writing, New Zealand had only four wickets in hand and required 219 runs to chase in the remaining 33 overs.