The Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours stage witnessed an intense clash between India and Sri Lanka on September 26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This 18th match of the tournament saw India, already finalists, facing Sri Lanka, who were out of contention but keen to end their campaign on a brighter note. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter in the T20 format where India aimed to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the final against Pakistan.

Maheesh Theekshana grabs a screamer to remove Shubman Gill

In a moment that instantly grabbed the spotlight, Sri Lanka’s spinner Maheesh Theekshana produced a spectacular wicket by dismissing India’s promising opener Shubman Gill early in the innings. Theekshana bowled Gill a full-length delivery outside off-stump that appeared to slow up slightly on the pitch, prompting Gill to attempt a drive down the ground. However, the ball struck the inside half of the bat, causing an edge that was skilfully snapped up by Theekshana himself at his left.

Displaying remarkable reflexes, he held on to a sharp two-handed catch low to the ground, completely breaking the opening partnership with an impeccable caught and bowled dismissal. Gill’s brief stay ended at 4 runs off 3 balls with a strike rate of 133.33. This wicket was a major breakthrough for Sri Lanka, giving them a glimmer of hope against a formidable Indian batting lineup.

Here’s the video:

🚨 WICKET 🚨

– Shubman Gill dismissed for 4 in 3 ball’s
– Stunner from Thikshana #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/9ivJs9p2aP

— Rana Ahmed (@RanaAhmad056) September 26, 2025

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India’s response and steady progress after an early wicket

Despite the early hiccup of losing Gill, India showed resilience and kept their momentum going aggressively. Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings with positive intent. At 6 overs, India stood at 71/1 , maintaining an impressive run-rate of 11.21. Sharma was unbeaten on 54 runs from 26 deliveries, striking three boundaries and one six, while SKY supported calmly with 12 runs off 12 balls. The Indian middle order, including players like Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, was yet to come but the foundation was solidly laid during the powerplay. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit, led by Theekshana and assisted by pacer Nuwan Thushara, had moments of promise but struggled to contain the explosive Indian shot-making on a batting-friendly pitch in Dubai.

The pitch conditions favored aggressive batting especially during the powerplay overs, providing the ball with some skidding pace enabling the Indian batters to find gaps and clear boundaries regularly. With India cruising past 40 runs within the first four overs, the team appeared keen on maintaining ascendancy despite the early loss. The keen contest between Theekshana’s spin and Indian batters set the tone for an engaging battle as the match unfolded towards a climactic finish ahead of the Asia Cup final.

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