Hardik Pandya And Abhishek Sharma Injured? Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Shares Update After IND Vs SL Asia Cup 2025 Clash

The Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE has already lived up to its billing as a high-octane contest of Asian cricketing powerhouses, but the clash between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai on September 26 added another unforgettable chapter to the tournament’s history. In a rollercoaster game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, both sides finished tied on 202/5, sending the contest into a nerve-wracking Super Over.

With the stakes high and tension palpable, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve under pressure, conceding just two runs in the one-over shootout, as India emerged victorious. The result not only extended India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament but also ensured their qualification for the grand final against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 28.

But while Indian fans rejoiced in the thrilling victory, injury scares to Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma added a layer of concern ahead of the summit clash.

A Match for the Ages: India vs Sri Lanka Ends in a Tie

India’s Power-Packed Batting Effort

Batting first after losing the toss, India came out with intent. Abhishek Sharma, continuing his sensational form in the tournament, smashed a blistering 61 off just 31 deliveries. His knock was a perfect exhibition of fearless hitting, as he dispatched the Sri Lankan bowlers to all corners of the ground with 5 sixes and 6 fours.

Alongside him, Shubman Gill played a steady hand with 43 off 33 balls, ensuring that the Men in Blue capitalized on the powerplay overs. After their departure, the middle order had its moments of struggle. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, chipped in with a well-paced 37, while Sanju Samson’s 29 off 18 gave India late momentum.

Eventually, India posted a formidable 202/5 in 20 overs, with the innings reflecting both aggressive batting and patches of consolidation.

Sri Lanka Match India Blow-for-Blow

Chasing 203 was never going to be easy, but Sri Lanka showed resilience. Pathum Nissanka (54 off 37) and Kusal Mendis (46 off 28) stitched together a crucial partnership, keeping the chase alive. Captain Charith Asalanka’s 38 off 22 balls further tilted the equation towards the islanders.

However, disciplined Indian bowling at the death—particularly from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh—ensured the scores were tied at the end of 20 overs. With both teams locked on 202/5, the game went into a Super Over, the ultimate test of nerves.

Super Over: Arshdeep Singh the Hero

The drama peaked in the Super Over. Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill came out to bat for India, compiling a competitive 9 runs against Wanindu Hasaranga. While the score was modest, it was enough to put pressure on Sri Lanka.

Defending the total, Arshdeep Singh was entrusted with the ball. The left-arm seamer showcased remarkable composure, mixing yorkers with clever variations. He conceded just two runs, dismissing Nissanka with a slower ball before strangling the Sri Lankan batters with accuracy.

In the end, India triumphed in emphatic fashion, with Arshdeep once again proving why he is regarded as one of the most reliable death bowlers in modern T20 cricket.

Injury Concerns Cast a Shadow Over Victory

Even as India celebrated the dramatic win, three injury scares briefly muted the jubilation.

Hardik Pandya:
India’s vice-captain and all-rounder bowled just one over before leaving the field. Television cameras showed him walking gingerly back to the dugout, sparking fears of a muscle strain. His absence in the remainder of the innings raised alarms, given his importance as a finisher with both bat and ball.
Abhishek Sharma:
After lighting up the stage with his explosive 61, the 23-year-old had to leave the field during Sri Lanka’s innings after 9.2 overs. At first glance, it appeared more serious, leading to speculation of a hamstring issue. His absence meant he could not participate in the Super Over, with Gill and Suryakumar stepping in instead.
Tilak Varma:
Adding to India’s worries, Tilak was seen limping after an awkward attempt to grab a catch. Though he carried on fielding, the discomfort was evident, raising doubts about his full fitness ahead of the final.

Morne Morkel Provides Clarity

At the post-match press conference, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the injury concerns, offering relief to anxious fans.

On Hardik Pandya, Morkel noted:
“Hardik, I know we’ll assess sort of tonight and tomorrow morning and we’ll make a call on that.”
On Abhishek Sharma, he reassured fans:
“Abhishek is fine. Both of them were just struggling with cramps.”

The confirmation that the issues were largely down to cramps—a common problem in humid conditions like Dubai—was encouraging. Still, Hardik’s final status remains uncertain until medical evaluations are completed.

Abhishek Sharma: India’s Breakout Star

One of the biggest positives for India in Asia Cup 2025 has been the emergence of Abhishek Sharma as a reliable, aggressive opener. With 248 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 206.66, the left-hander is currently the highest run-scorer in the competition.

His blistering half-century against Sri Lanka underlined his ability to dominate world-class attacks, while his intent in the powerplay has consistently given India a flying start. With India set to face Pakistan in the final, his role becomes even more crucial.

India’s Unbeaten Run: Road to the Final

India’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dominant.

Group Stage: Wins against UAE, Pakistan, and Oman ensured top spot.
Super Four: Back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka have sealed their place in the final with a game to spare.

The combination of explosive batting, variety in bowling, and sharp fielding has made them the team to beat. However, the fitness of key players remains a concern heading into the final showdown with Pakistan.

Sri Lanka: Gallant in Defeat

For Sri Lanka, the loss was heartbreaking but their performance was commendable. Matching India blow-for-blow, they showcased their depth and resilience. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis reaffirmed their importance at the top, while Hasaranga’s composure in the Super Over was admirable despite the result.

The defending champions may be out of contention for the final, but their fight in Dubai will give them positives to build upon in upcoming tournaments.

India vs Pakistan Final: A Clash of Titans Awaits

With India’s victory, fans now have the dream finale they were craving—India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Final on September 28. The two teams, with their storied rivalry, have already produced high-octane clashes in this tournament. Another face-off in the title clash promises fireworks, both on and off the field.

For India, the key questions revolve around Hardik’s fitness and how they manage workload ahead of the final. For Pakistan, the challenge will be finding consistency after a mixed Super Four campaign.

Match Stats Recap

India 202/5 (20 overs): Abhishek Sharma 61 (31), Shubman Gill 43 (33), Suryakumar Yadav 37 (25)
Sri Lanka 202/5 (20 overs): Pathum Nissanka 54 (37), Kusal Mendis 46 (28), Asalanka 38 (22)
Result: Match tied; India won Super Over by 7 runs (India 9/0; Sri Lanka 2/1)
Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma

Relief, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

India’s thrilling win against Sri Lanka will go down as one of the standout moments of the Asia Cup 2025. While Abhishek Sharma’s batting fireworks and Arshdeep Singh’s ice-cool Super Over heroics grabbed headlines, the bigger narrative revolves around resilience under pressure.

Yes, injury concerns cloud the celebrations, but Morne Morkel’s reassurance offers hope. If Hardik Pandya is fit, India will enter the final against Pakistan with confidence sky-high. If not, the depth and momentum they’ve displayed so far may still carry them through.

For now, the Men in Blue have shown once again that when the pressure is at its peak, they know how to deliver. The countdown to India vs Pakistan, September 28 in Dubai, has officially begun.

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