“I’m Fairly Satisfied,” Sanath Jayasuriya Praises Sri Lanka’s Nail-Biting Fight Against India

Sanath Jayasuriya hoped the match would not reach the final over, regretting that Dasun Shanaka could not get the Sri Lankan team over the line.

“I’m Fairly Satisfied,” Sanath Jayasuriya Praises Sri Lanka’s Nail-Biting Fight Against India

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya was left 'fairly satisfied' with his team's Asia Cup campaign.(via ESPN Cricinfo)

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Sri Lankan cricket team head coach Sanath Jayasuriya praised his team’s fighting display against India in their final match at the 2025 Asia Cup. The high-scoring thriller between India and Sri Lanka went down to the wire, with the Men in Blue emerging victorious at the end in the Super Over. 

The last ‘Super Four’ encounter was an intriguing one, as both India and Sri Lanka became the only two teams to score over 200 runs in an innings at the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a massive first innings total of 202 runs on the board, guided by Abhishek Sharma‘s 61-run knock off just 31 balls, while Tilak Varma scored 49 off 34, and Sanju Samson contributed with 39 runs.

Sri Lanka’s response was equally impressive, as Pathum Nissanka completed his first T20I hundred. He scored 107 runs off just 58 balls, including seven boundaries and six maximums, also forging a brilliant 127-run 2nd wicket stand with Kusal Perera, who scored 58 off 32. However, Sri Lanka faltered at the end, thanks to effective death bowling by the Indian side, which led to match ending in a tie. 

However, in the Super Over, the Sri Lankan team faded, only managing to score two runs, which the Men in Blue chased down off the first delivery to seal the win. With Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign having concluded, head coach Sanath Jayasuriya shared his thoughts on the team’s performance at the post-match press conference. The 56-year-old noted his disappointment with the last-gasp defeat but emphasized that a bright future awaits his team.

I would’ve preferred to finish games in normal time. No captain or coach wants to go to a Super Over. Unfortunately, Dasun missed completing the third run. But no, there’s no mental block against India. –

The former Sri Lankan captain suggested that his players showed that they are capable of chasing down a 200-plus total. Jayasuriya further stated that he was fairly satisfied with the Sri Lankan T20I side’s overall display, apart from the ‘Super Fours’ match against Bangladesh, which they lost by four wickets. He added that the current side has batting and bowling depth and quality, and that the team can go far ahead, should it perform according to conditions and opposition. 

Our boys showed they’re capable of chasing 200, but again we just fell short. Apart from that Bangladesh game, I’m fairly satisfied, though disappointed not to reach the final.

Following the Asia Cup debacle, the Sri Lankan team will now be getting ready for its assignment, a white-ball series tour to Pakistan. The upcoming series will include three ODIs, followed by a T20I tri-series between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Sanath Jayasuriya Hails Abhishek Sharma’s ‘Fearless’ Batting in the 2025 Asia Cup

Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was full of praise for young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been in blazing form at the 2025 Asia Cup. The 56-year-old lauded Sharma for his fearless batting display, and attributed it to the support that he has received from the Indian coaches.

Sanath Jayasuriya praise Abhishek Sharma
Sanath Jayasuriya praised Abhishek Sharma for his brilliant form at the 2025 Asia Cup. (via India Today)

Abhishek Sharma tops the 2025 Asia Cup run-scoring charts, with 309 runs in six matches at an average of 51.50. The 25-year-old world No. 1 ranked T20I batter has hit three fifties so far. With the 61-run innings against Sri Lanka, Sharma also broke the record for most runs by a player in a single Asia Cup edition in the shortest format, surpassing Mohammad Rizwan and Virat Kohli’s numbers. 

Sanath Jayasuriya, with whom Abhishek Sharma is often compared due to their aggressive batting styles, shared his insight into the young Indian opener’s success. He noted that the Indian team management has consistently encouraged Sharma to play his natural, which has allowed him to flourish. Jayasuriya further suggested that a critical part of Sharma’s skill set is his ability to slow down when necessary.

I think the positive aspect is the coaching staff has given him the freedom to play his natural game. That’s the key.

However, it remains uncertain whether Abhishek Sharma will turn out for the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan, given a recent injury scare. The all-rounder struggled with cramps in the closing stages of the clash against Sri Lanka, with India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel raising concerns over his fitness.

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