India’s unbeaten run in the Asia Cup 2025 came under serious threat in the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, but they somehow found a way through in a thrilling Super Over finish. Aside from the enthralling Super Over clash, one talking point, though, was the sight of Hardik Pandya walking off after bowling just one over. With the Asia Cup 2025 final scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday), the timing of this scare could not have been worse.
Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya not fit?
Abhishek Sharma, too, left the field midway through Sri Lanka’s innings, though his blazing 61 off 31 balls had already set the tone with the bat. Both incidents left fans thinking whether India’s balance would be disrupted ahead of the summit clash.
“Both of them struggled with cramps during the game,” bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed after the match in the post-match press conference. “Hardik will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, and we’ll make a call on that. But both of them were just struggling with cramps during the game. Abhishek is fine.”
India had looked vulnerable at times despite posting 202/5, courtesy Abhishek’s fifty and late runs from Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson. Their bowling unit came under fire as Pathum Nissanka’s magnificent 107 kept Sri Lanka alive till the very end. Only a miserly Super Over from Arshdeep Singh ensured India stayed perfect in the tournament.
Morkel admitted that the win was far from clinical. “I don’t think in this tournament we’ve played the complete game,” he said. “With batting, can we rotate strike better, run harder between wickets, and protect partnerships? From a bowling perspective, we need to sharpen our lengths and be smarter in using variations. In the field, it may be more about confidence. We are by no means the finished article, and we know that.”
India now have only a two-day turnaround before the final, and recovery is the priority. “The key for the boys is to rest,” Morkel added. “They’re already in ice baths, and recovery started right after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and staying off your feet. There will be pool sessions and massages before they get mentally ready for Sunday’s big battle. There will certainly be no training.”
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
