Asia Cup 2025 | Sanath Jayasuriya has high hopes for Sri Lanka despite disappointing end to campaign

‌Sri Lankan head coach and legend Sanath Jayasuriya has shared his views on the heartbreaking Super Over loss against India in their last game of Asia Cup 2025.

Though the Indian team had put on a massive score of 202 on the board which seemed like a tough chase on paper, the Lankan Lions kept themselves in the game as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera put on a 100+ partnership for the second wicket. Unfortunately, Nissanka’s century and Parera’s knock went in vain as the Men in Blue managed to end the game in a tie and won the game in a one-sided super over. Though it was a disappointing result for the Lions, who went winless in the Super Fours, Jayasuriya still has high hopes for the team going into the future. 

“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. Our batting line-up is strong, and we've given them confidence. Chasing 200 (203) is never easy, but we almost did it, which shows the quality we have,” Jayasuriya said during the press conference. 

“When you're chasing 202 (203), you have to keep finding boundaries. Their partnership was the key. The momentum shifted when we started losing wickets. That's natural in a chase because someone has to take risks. Sadly, Pathum got out at the wrong time, and later on, the ball began to turn more. Still, it was a very good game of cricket. Kusal is one of the best players of spin in our team. He played that role well again, though I'd have liked him to bat longer. Both took calculated risks, and when they wanted boundaries, they executed them. Pathum also had a bit of a hamstring issue recently, but still gave 100% for the team, which shows his commitment,” Jayasuriya concluded.

Though the Lankan Lions' campaign in the Asia Cup has come to an end, they still have some big series lined up in the future. The Island Nation will be travelling to Pakistan and will be playing a three-match ODI series against the Men in Green and a T20I tri-series, which will feature Pakistan and Afghanistan.