India pulled off a stunning victory in the third T20I against Sri Lanka, securing a series clean sweep with an improbable win. The match was filled with unexpected twists and turns, with the result hinging on the performances of two unlikely heroes: Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh.
The drama unfolded in the final over, with Sri Lanka needing six runs for victory. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, in a move that surprised everyone, decided to bowl himself instead of the more conventional option of pacer Mohammed Siraj. What followed was a scene straight out of a movie script as Suryakumar, with a mix of off-breaks and seam-ups, conceded just five runs, ultimately securing a tie.
The match then went into a Super Over, where Sri Lanka, batting first, could only manage two runs. Suryakumar, in a fitting end to his incredible performance, hit a boundary off the first ball of the Super Over, sealing India’s improbable victory.
Earlier in the match, with two overs remaining, India were in a precarious position as Sri Lanka needed just nine runs to win. Suryakumar, once again, turned to Rinku Singh, who was making his T20I debut, to bowl. Rinku, in a display of nerves of steel, delivered a three-run over, dismissing Kusal Perera and Ramesh Mendis, setting the stage for Suryakumar’s heroics.
India’s triumph was further aided by a familiar collapse in the Sri Lankan middle order. The top-order trio of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera had taken Sri Lanka to relative safety in their chase of 138 runs, but the rest of the batting order faltered.
India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, played a crucial role in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Ravi Bishnoi provided early breakthroughs, dismissing the dangerous Sri Lankan openers, Nissanka and Mendis. Off-spinner Washington Sundar then chipped in with a double strike, removing Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka.
However, the match will be remembered for the incredible bowling performances of Rinku and Suryakumar. Both players, who are primarily known for their batting prowess, stepped up to deliver game-changing overs.
India’s batting performance, however, was lackluster. They were sent in to bat first and struggled to get going against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Maheesh Theekshana struck early, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal in front of the wicket. India’s decision to promote Sanju Samson and Rinku up the order backfired as both batters were dismissed cheaply. Suryakumar Yadav also failed to make an impact with the bat.
Shubman Gill, who was the lone survivor of the top-order collapse, and Riyan Parag shared a crucial 54-run partnership. Washington Sundar’s late cameo also proved to be vital in India’s fightback. Despite the batting struggles, India’s bowling brilliance, particularly the unexpected heroics of Suryakumar and Rinku, ultimately sealed a remarkable victory and a series sweep.
