India suffered an injury scare in their final Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025, just two days before the much-anticipated final against Pakistan. On Friday, 26 September, all-rounder Hardik Pandya walked off the field after bowling just one over in India’s clash against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pandya had taken the wicket of Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis in the first over of India’s defence of 202 runs. However, he was seen holding his thigh at the end of the over and subsequently left the field. He did not return for the remainder of the match, raising concerns ahead of the final. SL vs BAN Super 4 Highlights | Scorecard
Bowling coach Morne Morkel later revealed that Pandya had suffered cramps in the humid Dubai conditions. The team management, to their relief, confirmed that the all-rounder had not sustained a major injury.
“However, a decision on his availability for the final will be made after assessing his fitness on Saturday,” the former South African fast bowler said after India won the match in the Super Over.
The Indian players had to work hard on the field on Friday as Sri Lanka, propelled by Pathum Nissanka’s sensational 107, tied the match by scoring 202 in 20 overs. The game then went to a Super Over, where Sri Lanka imploded, managing just two runs from five deliveries.
Abhishek Sharma, who notched his third consecutive fifty of the tournament, also suffered cramps and was temporarily replaced by a substitute fielder during Sri Lanka’s innings.
“So both of them struggled with cramps. Hardik we will assess him tonight and take a call on that in the morning. Both were just struggling with cramps,” Morkel explained, adding that Abhishek was fine by the end of the match.
The dead-rubber thriller cut into India’s recovery time. The match extended past midnight on Friday, and the players appeared visibly exhausted at its conclusion. The humid conditions in Dubai added to the challenge, with Sri Lanka’s exceptional batting taking India by surprise.
NO TRAINING FOR INDIA ON SAT
Morkel confirmed that India would not train on the eve of the final, focusing instead on recuperation. Pakistan, by contrast, will enjoy an extra day’s rest, having played their last Super 4 game on Thursday.
“I don’t think there will be any training tomorrow. The boys are already in ice baths, and their recovery started straight after the game. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully, they can get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed tomorrow.
“I am sure there will be a pool session tomorrow, and some massage sessions. It’s all about preparing for Sunday’s game. Playing smart will be key, but I am confident there will be no training,” he added.
India rested Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube for their final Super 4 match. The Asian giants will be hoping that Hardik recovers in time, as his presence provides crucial balance to the side. More importantly, his ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, will be invaluable against Pakistan, who will be eager to avenge their previous two tournament defeats against India.
If Pandya is unavailable, India are likely to field Arshdeep Singh, who delivered in critical moments on Friday despite an expensive opening spell.
India and Pakistan will meet in an Asia Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history. India have not lost to Pakistan in a T20I since a Super 4 clash in the 2022 Asia Cup.
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