PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE
Though India scraped through with a nail-biting super over win against a rejuvenated and resolute Sri Lakna in their final Super 4 clash in Asia Cup being held in Dubai, the cliff hanger victory has told them they could hardly take things for granted as far as the giant final clash between the arch rivals-India and Pakistan- slated on Sunday is concerned. Experts opined that If India was looking for a dress rehearsal before the big clash, they were surprised as well as warned against self-complacency.
Facing a daunting target of 202 put up by India with the charge led by Abhishek Sharma, who kept up his form with a fiery 61 off 31 balls, the determined Lankans despite being already eliminated from the tournament, put up a brave fight, driving the match to a thrilling Super Over finish.
The Lankan chase was led by a power-packed hundred by opener Pathum Nissanka, who smashed a 52-ball century. The blitzkrieg 127-run stand for the second wicket off just 70 balls between Nissanka and Kusal Perera made the seemingly difficult chase achievable for the Lankans.
Though Nissanka departed after a 107-run knock Shanaka held his nerves and took things on.
After the two teams got stuck in a tie-both with 202/5 (20)-, Super Over was played out. Continuing with batting, Sri Lanka made two runs losing two wickets. For India, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill came to the crease and in the first ball, Suryakumar scored the required three runs.
