India and Sri Lanka are set to face off in their final Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on September 26, 2025. With India having already secured their place in the final and Sri Lanka already eliminated, the match is considered a "dead rubber". However, it presents India with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before the final against Pakistan. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST.

India's Perspective

For India, this match is a chance to settle questions about form, sharpen their fielding, and build the rhythm they need for the big showdown. India may use this opportunity to test different combinations and give chances to players on the bench. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah might be rested to keep them fresh for the final and the subsequent Test series against the West Indies. In Bumrah's potential absence, Arshdeep Singh is likely to take his place. Other players like Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana could also get some game time.

There are concerns about Suryakumar Yadav's form. While his captaincy has been commendable, his personal performance with the bat has been under scrutiny. In 2025, he has only managed 87 runs in 9 T20I innings, with a modest strike rate. In the Asia Cup, he has scored just 59 runs in 5 matches. Some believe the burden of captaincy is affecting his batting. Experts suggest India should stick to their standard batting order and treat the Sri Lanka match as a dress rehearsal for the final.

India has dominated Sri Lanka in T20Is, with 21 wins out of 32 matches. Google's win predictor gives India an 80% chance of winning this match.

Sri Lanka's Perspective

Sri Lanka, having been eliminated from the tournament after losses to Bangladesh and Pakistan, will be looking to restore pride and end their Asia Cup campaign on a positive note. They might field their strongest XI, keeping the T20 World Cup next year in mind. Sri Lanka's batting has been subpar in the Super 4 stage, and their bowling has lacked the cutting edge.

Key Players to Watch

• Abhishek Sharma: He has been in sensational form in the Asia Cup 2025 and is currently the leading run-scorer.
• Shubman Gill: He looked in great touch against Bangladesh and will be aiming to score big against Sri Lanka.
• Kuldeep Yadav: He has been the top wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2025, with 12 wickets in 5 matches.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is generally batting-friendly. The new ball is expected to skid onto the bat well, enabling shot-making. However, timing the ball and finding gaps may become more difficult after the first 10 overs.

Squads

• India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
• Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage, Kamil Mishara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Binura Fernando, Janith Liyanage.

Asia Cup Super 4 Standings

As of September 25, 2025, the Super 4 standings are:

1. India: 2 points, +0.689 NRR
2. Pakistan: 2 points, +0.226 NRR
3. Bangladesh: 2 points, +0.121 NRR
4. Sri Lanka: 0 points, -0.59 NRR

India has already qualified for the final, while Sri Lanka has been eliminated. The winner of the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh match will face India in the final.