By Aakash Biswas,News18
Copyright news18
The last Super 4 clash between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai saw a fierce battle between Harshit Rana and Pathum Nissanka on Friday night. Chasing 203, the Lankan opener smashed 16 runs – 2 sixes and a four, reacting actively to young pacer’s aggression. Harshit tried pressurizing Nissanka with a juicy bouncer that struck the batter on helmet. But the blow seemingly turned him brutal.
After surviving the blow, Nissanka flicked Rana’s slower off-cutter over mid-wicket for a boundary. The pacer then tried a short-of-length delivery but gets hammered for a maximum over deep backward square-leg.
Rana returned with a dot ball but couldn’t hold on to his aggression. He collected the ball and hurled it back vigorously at the batter. After exchanging an awkward stare, Nissanka struck back with another cracking six over deep mid-wicket.
This stare by Pathum Nissanka towards Harshit Rana was just
Bro is AURA FARMING Indian bowlers ? pic.twitter.com/zRHCSSCn2b
— Kanishka Roshan (@KrosaniTy) September 26, 2025
Rana ended up leaking 16 runs in the over, letting Sri Lanka dominate the powerplay. The islanders may have been knocked out of the tournament but showcased great intent to end their trip to the UAE on a graceful note.
Bang! ? Nissanka sends it into the car! ??
Harshit Rana bowls another slower one, and Nissanka was ready. Sits deep, hoicks it clean — SIX and a dent on the car at deep mid-wicket! ?#AsiaCup2025 #Nissanka #SIX #HarshitRana #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/eVyKcNhlNA
— Asia Voice ? (@Asianewss) September 26, 2025
Gambhir’s favourite kiddo Harshit Rana got belted by Nissanka. pic.twitter.com/8kSbL62m0r
— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) September 26, 2025
Previous ball: Rana threw the ball intentionally towards Nissanka. ❌
Next ball: Nissanka replied in style with a massive six! 🤫?#PathumNissanka | #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/J7ngevoWWf
— Laraib Fatima🦋 (@Laraib_Fatiima) September 26, 2025
With 72 runs in the Powerplay, the Lankans matched India’s highest powerplay score in this Asia Cup against Bangladesh. It was also the most runs scored by them in a T20I Powerplay.
Pathum Nissanka anchors the chase with a six-hitting spree ?
Watch #INDvSL LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/jlzQgHf6Ga
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 26, 2025
Harshit next over – 11th – was disaster as well. He leaked 16 runs again, getting hit for a six and a couple of boundaries. While the bowler looked clueless, coach Gautam Gambhir was left frustrated.
Reaction of coach Gautam Gambhir seeing Harshit Rana bowling. pic.twitter.com/iTiyX1ky9x
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) September 26, 2025
Coach Gautam Gambhir’s reaction now #INDvSL
But reality he was selected Harshit Rana over Siraj ? pic.twitter.com/64sKWlh8wS
— CricVipez (@CricVipezAP) September 26, 2025
Gautam Gambhir in dressing Room after seeing Harshit Rana bowling.#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/vDI5LTeJwe
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) September 26, 2025
Gautam Gambhir is not happy with harshit Rana and Indian bowlers today #INDvsSL #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/8ufOpYCEGl
— Latest Updates (@Iam_Sh05) September 26, 2025
Earlier, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 61 off 31 balls powered India to 202/5 against Sri Lanka in the first innings, the tournament’s highest total so far. The opener struck eight fours and two sixes, notching his third consecutive fifty, though he again fell short of a century.
Shubman Gill (4) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12) fell cheaply, but Sanju Samson, promoted to No. 5, regained confidence with a sparkling 39 off 22, hammering three sixes, including a majestic strike off Wanindu Hasaranga.
Tilak Varma anchored the middle order with a composed unbeaten 49 off 34, sharing a crucial 66-run stand with Samson. Axar Patel added late fireworks as India finished strongly at the Premadasa.
(With Agency Inputs)
