NEW DELHI: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the dead-rubber Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka “felt like a final” and had no hesitation in handing the ball to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Super Over, given his proven ability in high-pressure situations.

Arshdeep delivered a brilliant 19th over during the regular innings and then struck twice in the Super Over, restricting Sri Lanka to just two runs. Suryakumar sealed the chase with a single ball, ensuring India maintained their unbeaten streak with six wins from six matches.

"It felt like a final (laughs). The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. Told them to play this like a semi-final. Get everyone close in, have good energy and then let's see what happens. Good to be on the winning side," he said during the presentation.

"Arshdeep has been in that situation a lot of time and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back your own plans and not to think about anything. We are already in the finals, but have your own plans and execute it.

"I have seen him execute his plans, do really well for India and his IPL franchise. His confidence says it all and no one but Arshdeep for that Super Over."

The skipper also praised the batting performance that propelled India to 202/5 after being put in. Key contributions came from Abhishek Sharma (61), Tilak Varma (49*), and Sanju Samson (39).

"To have that start, and then someone like Sanju and Tilak batting that way and taking the tempo ahead from where Abhishek left (cannot say from where I left it). Sanju not opening, going down the order, taking responsibility and Tilak taking confidence and responsibility, that was good to see."

Talking about Sunday's final against Pakistan, Suryakumar said: "Let's have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. Few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow and we will turn up the same way we did today.

"What I wanted from the boys, just trying to execute their plans, be clear and not to fear, that was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final."

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka admitted that the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav changed the complexion of the chase, but remained upbeat about the team's campaign.

"It was a fabulous game, of course. I think we were in the game and we were handling the game pretty nicely until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those really nice overs," he said.

Pathum Nissanka, adjudged Player of the Match, cracked a 58-ball 107 while Kusal Perera scored 58 off 32 balls as Sri Lanka finished level at 202 before losing in the Super Over.

"It was unbelievable hitting (by Nissanka and Perera). They (India) got really experienced bowlers but they (Nissanka and Perera) batted extremely well," he said.

"Lot of positives throughout the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket but we could not manage to win in the last two games. As captain, lot of positives in the side."

(With PTI Inputs)