Sri Lanka’s rise as a challenger on the world stage was followed by defeating India in the Asian Cup at the Dubai International Stadium.

Thanks to this six-kick win, Sri Lanka is almost certain to qualify for Sunday’s final, while India can no longer defend the title.

The Sri Lankans ended the game nervously, scoring two byes on penultimate throws in the final inning, including a throw from pitcher Arshdeep Singh.

If Arshdeep or goalkeeper Rishabh Pant hits the stump with their respective pitches, each bat will go out. But they both failed to shoot.

Sri Lanka, on a wave of optimism after beating Afghanistan in their Super 4 opener, are the deserved winners, although India started off in a stellar fashion.

Rohit Sharma had hinted in his previous game against Pakistan that he would return to form, and he underlined the point with a great round.

India – Pakistan rankings – in pictures

The India captain made 72 of 41 balls. This is just his second half century in 17 rounds in international T20 cricket.

India looked poised for a colossal tally when he fired and they were 110 for two at the start of 13, but their progress stalled.

It started with a red card from Rohit, who could only find Pathum Nissanka on the point with a top cut on a slow ball from Chamika Karunaratne.

Dilshan Madushanka, a left-armed swing thrower, is the best of Sri Lanka’s attacks. The number three for 24 is impressive, but it is the nature of the red card that will be remembered.

First, he plucked Virat Kohli’s stump, securing the duck for the former India captain. Later, he defeated Pant and Deepak Hooda.

From the way Sri Lanka started their quest for 174 points to win, it looks like they are in a rush to get the job done.

At the end of the power game, they are at 57 without a loss. By the time their openers were split, they had reached 97 in 11 overs.

Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are both spectacular in their attack. Nissanka made 52 in 37 balls, while Mendis made 57 in the same number.

Both fell to Yuzvendra Chahal, and the leg-spinner threatened to bring India back into the game by taking three 34 of its four overs.

Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rakapaksa collected 64 from six points to lead their team to victory.