The final Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup produced a nail-biting contest that ended dramatically in a tie. Sri Lanka, chasing a daunting 202-run target set by India, fought valiantly until the very end. With 12 runs required from the last over, the game was set for a tense finish. Harshit Rana began the over with precision, but Dasun Shanaka reignited hopes for Sri Lanka by striking a boundary, leaving just three runs needed from the final ball.
The stage was perfectly set for a grandstand finish, yet what followed turned into a comedy of errors. On the last delivery, Rana cramped Shanaka for room, forcing a mistimed shot toward mid-wicket. A fumble in the field allowed a glimmer of opportunity for the batters. At the striker’s end, Liyanage had already committed to a dive, raising the anticipation of a possible game-winning run.
However, the drama escalated when Harshit Rana himself fumbled while collecting the ball at the non-striker’s end. Despite the chaos, neither batter attempted to run, perhaps confused by the unfolding sequence of mistakes. As a result, the chance to clinch victory slipped away, and the match concluded in a tie, leaving both sets of fans stunned.
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For Sri Lanka, it was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. After doing so much to stay alive in the chase, the lack of composure in the final moment undid their hard work. What could have been a famous victory turned into an agonizing missed opportunity, made worse by the avoidable miscommunication between Shanaka and Liyanage.
From the dugout, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya was visibly furious. His frustration was clear as he reacted sharply to the poor running and decision-making in the final delivery. While the tie showcased the fighting spirit of his team, Jayasuriya’s angry response reflected the disappointment of watching his side squander a golden chance in such comical fashion.