DUBAI: Sri Lanka has won the toss and opted to field first against India in their final Super Four match before the Asia Cup 2025 Grand Final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match may be a dead rubber in terms of qualification, but it remains rich in subplots and significance for both sides.
With India already sealing a place in Sunday’s final and Sri Lanka bowing out following back-to-back defeats, the result may not affect the tournament’s outcome, but it will shape narratives, influence selections, and possibly shift momentum ahead of the all-important title clash.
Abhishek Sharma, the standout performer of India’s campaign so far, is likely to retain his place at the top. The left-hander has lit up the Asia Cup with 248 runs at a strike rate of 205.79, combining fearless intent with calculated aggression. With two fifties to his name and plenty of talk about his future as India’s T20 mainstay, the team will be keen to let him maintain his red-hot form heading into the final.
Head-to-Head: India Dominant in Rivalry
India and Sri Lanka have faced off 32 times in T20Is, with India leading the head-to-head 22-9. One game ended in a tie (won by India in a Super Over), and one was washed out. Their only previous T20I meeting in Dubai came in the 2022 Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka chased down India’s total with six wickets to spare.
Pitch and Conditions
The surface in Dubai has been slowing down as the tournament progresses, with stroke-making outside the Powerplay becoming increasingly difficult. Spinners and change-of-pace bowlers are expected to play a big role, and batting first could be an advantage with the pressure of chasing mounting on tiring pitches.
Key Players to Watch
India – Abhishek Sharma:
With a tournament strike rate over 200, the young opener has been India’s most exciting discovery this Asia Cup. His aggressive intent in the first six overs has allowed others to bat around him, and he’ll be looking to keep the foot on the pedal before the final.
Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga:
A proven match-winner and a consistent thorn in India’s side, Hasaranga’s variations and calm under pressure will be crucial if Sri Lanka want to sign off with a win.
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh/Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne/Kamil Mishara, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
