The final Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 will see India take on Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While India have already sealed their spot in the finals with a flawless run, Sri Lanka’s campaign has ended prematurely after two successive defeats. Still, with pride at stake, the Lankans will be determined to test the tournament favorites and finish on a positive note.
India Preview: Unstoppable Momentum
India have looked a class apart in this tournament, brushing aside every opponent with authority. Three wins in the group stage were followed by dominant performances against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Fours, ensuring an early ticket to the finals. Against Sri Lanka, they will aim to extend their unbeaten streak and enter the title clash brimming with confidence.
At the top, Abhishek Sharma has been the standout performer, hammering 248 runs in just five innings at a strike rate exceeding 200. His explosive batting has set the tone for India, and another quick-fire cameo could once again tilt the powerplay in their favor. Partnering him, Shubman Gill provides stability, often anchoring the innings with composed knocks.
The middle order has depth and firepower, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma maintaining the tempo. Down the order, finishers like Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel add invaluable insurance, capable of turning tight games into decisive wins.
Bowling has been equally impressive. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel have controlled games in the middle overs, while Jasprit Bumrah is rediscovering his lethal form. However, with the final looming, Bumrah may be rested, paving the way for Arshdeep Singh to feature.
India Probable XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson/Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
Sri Lanka Preview: Playing for Pride
Sri Lanka’s tournament has been a tale of two halves. After sweeping through the group stage with three wins, their momentum stalled in the Super Fours with back-to-back losses to Bangladesh and Pakistan, eliminating them from contention. Despite that, they will aim to bow out fighting against the strongest team of the competition.
Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka’s most consistent performer, amassing 154 runs at a brisk strike rate of nearly 147. Alongside him, experienced names like Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera must provide stability at the top if Sri Lanka are to post a competitive total. Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis remain crucial for injecting runs in the later overs.
The bowling attack remains Sri Lanka’s biggest strength. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara have exploited pace-friendly conditions, while spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana thrive on Dubai’s surfaces. Hasaranga, with seven wickets already at an economy below six, could be the key disruptor against India’s batting juggernaut.
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Pitch and Conditions in Dubai
Dubai International Cricket Stadium typically offers something for everyone. Fast bowlers enjoy early swing and bounce, but the pitch eases out for batting as the innings progresses. Spinners have found success when maintaining discipline, particularly through the middle overs. Dew often plays a part, giving chasing teams a noticeable advantage.
The average first-innings score here is around 145, but recent Asia Cup matches have shown that totals in the 180–190 range are usually required to apply real pressure on the chasing side. With five of the last eight games at this venue won by teams batting second, the toss is expected to play a major role—most captains are likely to opt for fielding first.
Winning Prediction
India have been relentless in their march to the final, combining explosive batting with a versatile bowling unit. Sri Lanka, although eliminated, possess a dangerous bowling lineup that can trouble India if conditions favor spin. Yet, the gap in form and depth between the two sides is significant. While Sri Lanka may push them hard, India’s superior balance and momentum should carry them comfortably into the final on the back of another commanding performance.
Prediction: India to win.
