India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel raised concerns about Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s fitness for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on September 28, following their Super Over win against Sri Lanka on September 26 at Dubai International Stadium. Both players suffered cramps during Sri Lanka’s innings, with Pandya unable to bowl beyond his first over.
At the post-match press conference, Morkel said, “Both struggled with cramps. Hardik will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning. Abhishek is fine.” The team awaits a final call on their participation in the crucial final.
India posted 202/5, led by Abhishek Sharma’s 61 off 31 (8 fours, 2 sixes), his third fifty in the tournament, making him the first to cross 300 runs in T20I Asia Cup history. Tilak Varma (49* off 34) and Sanju Samson (39 off 27) added a 66-run stand. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana (1/36) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/37) took wickets.
Sri Lanka tied at 202/5, with Pathum Nissanka’s 107 off 58 (7 fours, 6 sixes) and Kusal Perera’s 58 off 32 leading a 127-run partnership. Hardik Pandya (1/14) struck early, but Arshdeep Singh (1/46) and Harshit Rana (0/44) struggled. Kuldeep Yadav’s 1/31 kept India in the game. In the Super Over, Arshdeep’s 2/2 and Suryakumar Yadav’s three-run chase sealed the win. Nissanka earned Player of the Match.
Morkel dismissed excuses for Arshdeep and Rana’s costly spells. “We’re moving away from excuse culture. Nothing beats game time,” he said. “The team is winning, and these guys are match-winners on their day.”
India’s unbeaten run, watched by 70% of global cricket fans (Nielsen, 2024), sets up a historic final against Pakistan. Injuries to key players like Pandya (all-rounder) and Abhishek (top scorer) could impact strategy. Their fitness is critical for India’s title defense.
India’s Super Over victory keeps them unbeaten, but Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s cramps raise concerns for the Asia Cup 2025 final.
