'I told him...': Suryakumar Yadav opens up on why Arshdeep Singh bowled the Super Over

India secured a thrilling Super Over victory against Sri Lanka in their final Super Four match of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Wednesday, with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav praising his team's character and particularly highlighting the performances of middle-order batsmen Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and bowler Arshdeep Singh's composure in the decisive Super Over where Sri Lanka managed only two runs.

The match, despite being a dead rubber, turned into an intense contest with both teams scoring over 200 runs, including a century from Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka.



"It felt like a final and the boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. I told the boys to have good energy and let's see where we are at the end. To have that start with the bat, and someone like Sanju and Tilak taking that tempo was good to see. And for someone like Sanju, who is not opening the batting, and taking that responsibility and even Tilak showing great confidence, which was good to see," said Suryakumar during the post-match presentation.

"Arshdeep has delivered for us the last 2-3 years. I told him to back his own plans and try to execute. He has been there in that situation many times and he has done really well for India and for his IPL side. His confidence says it all. None other than Arshdeep to bowl that Super Over," Suryakumar added.


The Indian captain mentioned that some players experienced cramps due to heat but assured they would have a recovery day on Saturday before the finals.

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged Nissanka's impressive century and remained positive despite their winless Super Four stage performance.

"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 splendid to see him bat with that attacking approach. There were many positives from the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket, but unfortunately, we could not win in the last two games. As a captain, there are a lot of positives to take," Asalanka stated.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to field first. India's innings saw early setbacks with Shubman Gill falling for 4 and captain Suryakumar scoring only 12 runs.

Abhishek Sharma continued his outstanding form, scoring 61 off 31 balls with eight fours and two sixes, becoming the first batter to cross 300 runs in the T20I Asia Cup.

The middle-order partnership between Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (39) proved crucial, contributing a 66-run stand and helping India reach 202/5 in their 20 overs.

Sri Lanka's chase began poorly with Kusal Mendis dismissed for a golden duck, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera launched a strong counter-attack.

Nissanka scored a brilliant 107 off 58 balls, while Perera contributed 58 runs from 32 balls. Dasun Shanaka added a quick 22 runs, but the match ultimately went to a Super Over with both teams tied.

In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav was India's most successful bowler with figures of 1/31, while Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each claimed one wicket.

The Super Over saw Arshdeep Singh's exceptional bowling restrict Sri Lanka to just two runs while taking two wickets. India easily chased down the target in just one ball.

Nissanka was awarded Player of the Match for his century. The victory maintained India's unbeaten record as they advance to the final, while Sri Lanka exited the Super Four stage without a win despite entering it undefeated.
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