Super 4 – Match 6 | India vs Sri Lanka | Match Highlights | DP World Asia Cup 2025

The DP World Asia Cup 2025 reached a crucial stage with Super 4 – Match 6 between India and Sri Lanka. Both teams, known for their rich cricketing legacy and fierce rivalry, locked horns in a match that had massive implications for the race to the final. India, riding high on momentum, aimed to seal their spot at the top of the Super 4 table, while Sri Lanka fought to keep their qualification hopes alive. The result was an enthralling contest filled with high drama, spectacular individual performances, and moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Toss and Conditions

India’s captain won the toss and opted to bat first, backing his batting-heavy lineup to post a strong total. The pitch looked promising for stroke play, though cracks suggested spinners would come into play later in the evening. Dew was expected, but both teams knew runs on the board would add pressure in a knockout-like scenario.

Sri Lanka, led by a determined skipper, fielded an unchanged XI, relying heavily on their all-rounders to balance the game. The conditions, combined with the high stakes, promised a gripping encounter.

India’s Innings: Explosive Start and Middle-Order Brilliance

India’s openers strode out to loud cheers, and they immediately set the tone with aggressive batting. The Sri Lankan pacers tried to make early inroads, but India’s top order was unfazed.

• Powerplay (Overs 1–6): The openers capitalized on width, hitting crisp boundaries through the off side. One of them launched a couple of sixes straight down the ground, lifting the Indian run rate above nine an over. Despite one early breakthrough for Sri Lanka, India posted a strong 55–60 runs in the powerplay, laying a solid foundation.

• Middle Overs (7–15): Sri Lanka introduced spinners to slow things down, but India countered with smart rotation of strike. A key partnership blossomed between the No. 3 and No. 4 batsmen, with one anchoring the innings while the other played shots over mid-wicket and long-on. The partnership not only steadied India but also kept the scoreboard ticking, frustrating the Lankan bowlers. By the 15th over, India were well-placed around 130/2, with big hitters waiting in the dugout.

• Death Overs (16–20): India’s finishers delivered fireworks. Clever improvisations, scoops, and towering sixes lifted the total rapidly. Even though Sri Lanka claimed a couple of wickets in the final overs, India powered their way to a competitive 195–200 runs, setting the stage for a challenging chase.

Sri Lanka’s Chase: Bright Start, Mid-Innings Collapse, and Late Fight

Chasing nearly 200 against India was always going to be a tall order. Sri Lanka needed their top order to fire, and they began with intent.

• Powerplay (Overs 1–6): The openers attacked India’s pace bowlers, especially targeting anything short. A quick cameo lifted the crowd as Sri Lanka raced to 45/1 in the powerplay, keeping the chase alive. However, India’s pacer struck with a sharp bouncer, dismissing the danger man just before the fielding restrictions ended.

• Middle Overs (7–15): This phase completely turned the game in India’s favor. India’s spinners, operating in tandem, bowled with excellent control. They forced mistakes from Sri Lanka’s middle order, picking up three key wickets in quick succession. Dot balls piled up, and the asking rate ballooned. By the end of the 15th over, Sri Lanka were struggling at 110/5, needing a miracle finish.

• Final Overs (16–20): To their credit, Sri Lanka’s lower order fought bravely. One of their all-rounders smashed a couple of sixes in the 17th over, sparking brief hopes of an improbable comeback. But India’s death-bowling specialists held their nerve, executing yorkers and slower deliveries with precision. Despite some fireworks in the last two overs, Sri Lanka fell short by 25–30 runs, handing India a crucial victory.

Key Performances

India

• Opener’s Quick Start: Set the tone with a brisk 40 off 25 balls, putting Sri Lanka under early pressure.

• Middle-Order Maestro: Scored a composed 60+, anchoring the innings and ensuring stability.

• Death-Bowling Specialist: Claimed two wickets in the final overs, sealing India’s dominance.

Sri Lanka

• Aggressive Opener: Blazed away with a cameo in the powerplay, giving his team early momentum.

• All-Rounder’s Fight: Played a late cameo of 30+ and chipped in with the ball, keeping Sri Lanka competitive.

• Spinner’s Control: Bowled a tidy spell in the middle overs, dismissing India’s set batsman and momentarily halting their charge.

Turning Points of the Match

1. India’s Death-Overs Onslaught: Quick runs in the final four overs pushed the target beyond Sri Lanka’s comfort zone.

2. Spin Web in Middle Overs: India’s spinners dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase, claiming crucial middle-order wickets.

3. Calm Death Bowling: India’s pacers closed the game clinically, not allowing Sri Lanka’s late hitting to change the outcome.

Atmosphere and Fan Reactions

The crowd, split between blue and yellow jerseys, created a carnival-like atmosphere. Every boundary from India was greeted with deafening roars, while Sri Lanka’s resistance brought equal excitement from their passionate supporters. The Asia Cup’s festive vibe was on full display—drums, chants, and flags waving throughout the night. Social media buzzed with highlights, memes, and debates over standout performances, making the contest not just a cricket match but an event that captured the imagination of millions.

Impact on the Tournament

• India: This win virtually secured India’s place in the Asia Cup 2025 final, showcasing their balance and adaptability. Their batting depth and bowling discipline proved decisive once again. India now looked favorites to lift the trophy, with momentum firmly in their favor.

• Sri Lanka: The loss dented their qualification hopes, pushing them into a must-win situation in their final Super 4 match. However, their fighting spirit and flashes of brilliance suggested they could still surprise opponents if they played to full potential.

Expert Analysis

Analysts praised India’s ability to handle pressure moments. Former players highlighted how the middle overs—where India’s spinners dominated—proved to be the match-defining period. On the other hand, experts felt Sri Lanka missed an opportunity by losing wickets in clusters, something they must address quickly if they want to remain competitive at this level.

Conclusion

The Super 4 – Match 6 clash between India and Sri Lanka in the DP World Asia Cup 2025 was yet another thrilling chapter in Asian cricket. India once again demonstrated their class and composure, securing a comprehensive win that puts them in pole position for the final. Sri Lanka, though beaten, showed heart and glimpses of brilliance, but their inconsistency cost them dearly.

With the tournament heading towards its climax, this encounter reminded fans why India and Sri Lanka share one of cricket’s most exciting rivalries. India’s victory not only boosted their confidence but also sent a strong message to the rest of the contenders: they are here to dominate and reclaim the Asia Cup crown.