IND vs SL Match Preview – In the final Super 4 encounter of the Asia Cup 2025, an in-form and unbeaten Indian side will lock horns with an already eliminated Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 26th. For India, who have already booked their place in the final, this match presents an opportunity to test their bench strength and fine-tune their strategies. In contrast, Sri Lanka will be playing for pride, hoping to end their disappointing campaign on a positive note.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has been the team to beat in this tournament, showcasing clinical performances in all their matches, including convincing victories against arch-rivals Pakistan and a spirited Bangladesh side in the Super 4 stage. Their journey to the final has been marked by collective team efforts, with different players stepping up at crucial moments.
On the other hand, it has been a forgettable tournament for Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lankan team. They have struggled to find consistency with both bat and ball, leading to their premature exit from the race to the final. This dead rubber offers them a chance to salvage some pride and give their supporters something to cheer about.
IND vs SL Match Details
IND vs SL Head-to-Head
IND vs SL Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report: The wicket at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been on the slower side throughout the tournament, offering assistance to the spinners. Batters have found it challenging to score freely, and rotating the strike will be crucial. Pacers might get some initial movement with the new ball, but as the game progresses, the spinners are expected to dictate terms. The trend in Dubai has slightly favored the chasing team, with dew potentially playing a factor in the second innings. A score in the range of 160-170 could be competitive on this surface.
Weather Report: The weather in Dubai is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of the year. There is no threat of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The temperature will be around 36°C during the day and will cool down to the low 30s in the evening. Players will have to manage the challenging conditions.
IND vs SL Squads
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Sri Lanka Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage
IND vs SL Possible Playing11
India: With a spot in the final secured, India might rest some of their key players. This could open the door for players like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana to get a game.
Probable 11: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka: Having been knocked out of the tournament, Sri Lanka might also look to give opportunities to players on the bench and try out new combinations.
Probable 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.
IND vs SL Match Prediction
Given their scintillating form and the depth in their squad, India will start as the overwhelming favorites in this encounter. Even if they decide to rest some of their frontline players, their bench strength appears more than capable of overcoming the Sri Lankan challenge. The likes of Abhishek Sharma at the top and the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy have been in exceptional form.
For Sri Lanka to pull off an upset, their senior players, including Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, will need to deliver exceptional performances. Their batting has been a major concern, and they will have to contend with a potent Indian bowling attack on a challenging Dubai surface.
While Sri Lanka will be playing for pride, the momentum and confidence are firmly with the Indian team. Expect India to continue their winning streak and head into the final of the Asia Cup 2025 with a flawless record.
Prediction: India to win.
