Washington Sundar (second from left) excelled with both bat and ball (Image Credits: BCCI/ X)
India beat Sri Lanka in the Super Over in yesterday’s T20I match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With the thrilling come-from-behind triumph, the Men in Blue clinched the three-match series 3-0.
For the third game in a row, the Lankans paid the price for a shocking batting collapse. Chasing a target of 138, they were cruising at 110-1 in the 16th over. However, they lost their way inexplicably to finish with 137-8. India then held their nerves in the Super Over to stun the hosts.
In their chase, the Lankans once again got off to a confident start, courtesy their top three – Pathum Nissanka (26), Kusal Mendis (43) and Kusal Perera (46), but, the rest of the batting order floundered again.
After the openers were dismissed, Wanindu Hasaranga was promoted to No. 4, but he holed out for 3, trying to take on Washington Sundar. The Indian off-spinner had two in two when Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka was caught behind for a golden duck.
The hosts were still on control of the contest, but Perera miscued a pull off part-time Rinku Singh in the 19th over and was caught by the bowler. The wicket put huge pressure on Sri Lanka. Rinku then dismissed Ramesh Mendis (3) as the batter dragged one to deep midwicket.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a surprise by deciding to bowl the last over.
The Lankans still needed only six to win with four wickets in hand. Bowling some off-spin, Suryakumar dismissed Kamindu Mendis (1) and Maheesh Theekshana (0) off consecutive deliveries. Sri Lanka, somehow, managed to drag the game into a Super Over, with Suryakumar fluffing a run-out opportunity.
Sundar was brilliant in the Super Over, as he had Perera and Nissanka caught in the deep. India needed only three for victory, and Suryakumar took India home off the first ball, sweeping Theekshana for four. The fielder at short fine leg let the ball slip through, summing up Sri Lanka’s day and the kind of series it was.
India recover from horror start to post 137-9
Asked to bat first after a rain delay, India, who had rested four of their regular players, got off to a horror start. The Men in Blue crumbled to 48-5 inside nine overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), Sanju Samson (0), Rinku (1), Suryakumar (8) and Shivam Dube (13) back in the hut.
Shubman Gill (39 off 37) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18) lifted India with a sixth-wicket stand of 54. Sundar also chipped in with a crucial 25 off 18 to put the much-needed finishing touches to the innings.
Who won Player of the Match in yesterday’s India vs Sri Lanka T20I?
Sundar came up with an excellent all-round effort for India. After contributing a significant cameo, he picked up two wickets off consecutive deliveries and bowled a ‘super’ over as well.
Gill and Riyan played important knocks. With the ball, Rinku and Suryakumar came up with unexpected contributions at the end.
For Sri Lanka, Theekshana claimed three scalps and Hasaranga two. In the chase, Mendis and Perera contributed valiant 40s.
Sundar, though, was named the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, while Suryakumar walked away with the Player of the Series.
