The India National Cricket Team will be looking to end their Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 campaign with a victory when they take on Sri Lanka, a side which is yet to win a match after the group stage. Read below to get India vs Sri Lanka best fantasy playing XI prediction for the IND vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match.
Match Details India vs Sri Lanka
| Match | India vs Sri Lanka, Super Four, Match 18, Asia Cup 2025 |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Date & Time | Friday, September 26, 8 PM (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming | Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode & YuppTV (App & Website) |
India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 32 |
| IND Won | 21 |
| SL Won | 09 |
| No Result | 01 |
| Tied | 01 |
| First-ever Fixture | February 10, 2009 (IND Won) |
| Most-recent Fixture | July 30, 2024 (IND Won) |
India Enter Dead Rubber With Final Spot Secured
India have already booked their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Therefore, they approach this match with confidence. Moreover, their unbeaten run includes dominant wins over UAE, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As a result, Suryakumar Yadav’s men will likely experiment with combinations. Additionally, they aim to fine-tune strategies ahead of Sunday’s title clash.
Sri Lanka Seek Redemption After Early Exit
Sri Lanka’s campaign has been disappointing so far. Consequently, they lost both Super Four games—to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Now eliminated, the Lankans play for pride and momentum. Furthermore, they hope to end their tournament on a high note. Still, morale remains low after narrow defeats under pressure.
Pitch Report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been a batter-friendly venue in recent matches of the ongoing continental competition. While scoring in the middle overs has been challenging, batters have found it easier to play freely during the powerplay and the death overs. The pitch is expected to be more assistive for the teams chasing here. Bowlers who are inconsistent or deliver poor balls have been punished, and a similar trend is expected in the upcoming clash.
Venue Favors Teams Chasing Under Lights
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosts this contest. Notably, recent games here have favored chasing teams. Why? Because dew makes batting easier in the second innings. Also, powerplays and death overs suit aggressive batters. However, middle-overs scoring remains tricky due to spin dominance.
India vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Abhishek Sharma Shines as Key Batter
Abhishek Sharma has been India’s standout performer. In fact, he has smashed 248 runs in five matches. His strike rate of 206.66 terrifies any bowling unit. Moreover, his 75 off 37 balls against Bangladesh was match-defining. Hence, he remains the top fantasy pick for this fixture.
Kuldeep Yadav Leads Lethal Indian Spin Attack
Kuldeep Yadav continues to bamboozle batters with his wrist spin. He has already taken 12 wickets at an average of just 8.08. Additionally, his economy of 5.65 restricts scoring in middle overs. Undoubtedly, he will target Sri Lanka’s fragile middle order once again.
Sri Lanka Rely on Nissanka and Hasaranga
Pathum Nissanka offers Sri Lanka their best batting hope. He averages 59.00 in the tournament with two solid knocks. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga brings firepower with both bat and ball. However, even his brilliance couldn’t prevent recent losses. Thus, consistent support remains their biggest challenge.
India Likely to Rotate Key Players
Since this match carries no stakes, India may rest frontline stars. For instance, Jasprit Bumrah could sit out in favor of Arshdeep Singh. Likewise, Sanju Samson might get a chance to bat higher. This rotation gives bench players vital match practice before the final.
Head-to-Head Record Strongly Favors India
Historically, India dominate this rivalry in T20Is. Out of 32 matches, they have won 21 compared to Sri Lanka’s 9. Also, India won the most recent encounter in July 2024. Clearly, psychological advantage lies firmly with the Men in Blue.
Pitch and Conditions Set for High Scoring
Expect a batting-friendly surface in Dubai. Although spinners grip the ball early, dew neutralizes them later. Therefore, teams prefer chasing under lights. Moreover, inconsistent bowlers get punished quickly in this format.
Final Prediction Favors Team Bowling First
Experts predict the team bowling first will win this match. Given Dubai’s dew factor, chasing offers a clear edge. India’s superior depth makes them favorites regardless. Still, Sri Lanka can surprise if their top order fires early.
Fantasy Tips Highlight Indian All-Rounders
For fantasy leagues, prioritize Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav. Also, consider Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel as differential picks. From Sri Lanka, only Nissanka and Hasaranga carry reliable value. Avoid middle-order batters from both sides due to low recent returns.
Match Serves as Warm-Up Before Grand Finale
Ultimately, this game is a rehearsal for India. They will test bench strength and fielding combinations. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka aim to restore pride and rebuild confidence. Although the stakes are low, fans can expect fearless cricket from both camps.