What a mockery of a game that was! Absolute nightmare for Sri Lanka, who bottled a simple run chase to avoid a cleansweep. For once, the equation was 30 off 30 balls with nine wickets in hand for the hosts. However, some poor execution by Lankan batters and some startling decisions by Suryakumar Yadav saw India take the match in the Super Over. In the ultimate Super Over, India easily chased down three runs.
A superb bowling display by SL
Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Maheesh Theekshana, Kamindu Mendis, and Ramesh Mendis produced a stunning bowling performance to restrict India to a paltry 137/9 in the first innings of the third T20I.
Awful start by Samson, SKY
A rain delay of 40 minutes disrupted India’s momentum after a brisk start from Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, the Indian batting order crumbled under pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh departed cheaply, leaving India reeling at 14/3.
Suryakumar Yadav tried to counter-attack but was dismissed for a well-made score. Shivam Dube failed to capitalize on his opportunity, and India found themselves in deep trouble. Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag steadied the ship with a crucial 50-run partnership. But the introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga proved to be a game-changer, as he dismissed both set batters in the same over.
India managed to add some quick runs towards the end through Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi, but the damage was already done. Theekshana and Hasaranga were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three and two wickets respectively. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made a debut, was also decent, taking 1/17.
Drama, absolute drama in 2nd innings
Sri Lanka had this match in the bag. They were calm, composed, and coasting towards victory. The Indian bowlers seemed to have thrown in the towel as Sri Lanka’s openers laid a solid foundation. Pathum Nissanka made 26. Kusal Mendis hammered 43 while Kusal Perera clocked 46 in 34 balls. The middle order carried on the momentum, and it appeared as though a Sri Lankan win was inevitable.
Suryakumar, Rinku: New Bumrah for India
Then, the unthinkable happened. India, down and out, roared back to life. The introduction of Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi proved to be a game-changer. They spun a web of deception, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order. With nine runs required from the final two overs, it seemed like a formality, but India’s bowlers held their nerve.
In fact, it looked like Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar turned this international match into an exhibition game. Despite Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed’s overs remaining, the skipper gave the crucial 19th over to Rinku Singh, who has hardly bowled in his national career. The KKR lad conceded just 3 runs and took two wickets. Similar was the case with Indian skipper, who took the game to the Super Over.
The match spilled into a Super Over, where India’s batters finished the job clinically. It was a heart-stopping, rollercoaster of a contest that will be remembered for years to come. A match that Sri Lanka should have won, but India snatched from the jaws of defeat. Absolute drama!
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