NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka A held their nerve to beat India A in a dramatic Super Over finish in the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla on Monday, with the contest featuring controversy, heated exchanges, fading light and a tense finish.After the scores were level at the end of regulation time, Sri Lanka A emerged victorious in the Super Over as pacer Kugathas Mathulan defended 16 runs against the powerful Indian pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge.The defeat was India A’s second in the tournament and left them needing a win over Afghanistan A to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
Confusion and controversy before the Super Over
The drama began on the final ball of Sri Lanka A’s chase. With the scores level after a leg-bye and a run-out, India A captain Tilak Varma questioned whether the run should have counted, arguing that batter Chamika Gunasekara had not offered a shot on the last delivery of the match.The umpires held lengthy discussions with the players before confirming that the match was tied and that the outcome would be decided via a Super Over.Since floodlights were not being used for the tournament, players and officials repeatedly checked whether there was enough light to continue.India A were also unhappy with some decisions during the Super Over, including a wide and a no-ball call, leading to animated discussions with the umpires.
Sri Lanka A hold their nerve
Sri Lanka A batted first in the Super Over and scored 16 runs off Arshad Khan‘s over, aided by a wide and a no-ball.Chasing 17 to win, India A sent out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge. However, Mathulan kept his nerve under pressure and restricted the duo to just nine runs, sealing a memorable victory for the hosts.The match ended on a heated note. Sooryavanshi was involved in a brief exchange with a Sri Lankan player before teammates stepped in to calm the situation. The teams eventually shook hands, but the contest ended amid visible frustration.
Shedge, Nigam rescue India A
Earlier, India A recovered from a difficult position thanks to a superb partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam.After being reduced to 143 for 7, India A were rescued by an eighth-wicket stand of 104 runs. Shedge top-scored with 72 off 66 balls, while Nigam made 51 off 49 deliveries as India A posted 265.Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again provided a quick start, scoring 21 off 14 balls before falling to off-spinner Sahan Arachchige.Tilak Varma made 23 and Ruturaj Gaikwad added 32, but Sri Lanka A’s spinners triggered a middle-order collapse before Shedge and Nigam revived the innings.
Samarawickrama leads Sri Lanka A chase
Sri Lanka A were powered by Sadeera Samarawickrama, who anchored the chase with a brilliant 93 off 113 balls.India A appeared set for defeat before Arshad Khan produced an excellent final over, conceding only four runs when Sri Lanka A needed five to win. His efforts forced the tie and pushed the game into a Super Over.
Was the last ball decision by the umpires justified?
However, Sri Lanka A ultimately kept their composure better in the decisive moments to register a thrilling win and move a step closer to the tri-series final.
