Sri Lanka, once again, inexplicably collapsed in the third and final T20I to hand India a 3-0 series win in Pallekele on Tuesday, thanks to Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh’s miraculous efforts with the ball.
Lankans seemed well in control of their chase for 138 runs at 110 for 1 after 15.1 overs but lost seven wickets for only 27 runs in the remaining 4.5 overs to finish on 137 for the loss of 8 wickets.
India skipper Suryakumar and Rinku were pivotal in that victory; while Suryakumar bowled the last over defending six runs successfully taking two wickets from his first two balls, on the other hand, Rinku Singh picked up two critical ones including Kusal Perera’s when nine were needed off twelve balls during a pressure-packed nineteenth over.
These two incredible overs from Rinku and Surya stopped Lankans on 137 thus leading to a Super Over.
Washington Sundar gave away only two runs and took two wickets during the Super Over. Suryakumar then sealed the win with a sweeping shot on the first ball he faced in the Super Over.
New India skipper Suya deserves all credits as he came to bowl at death with just six runs left to defend and got two wickts off his first two balls.
Rinku, who went for many runs despite picking up Perera’s wicket made most impact by removing him when it mattered most as Sri Lanka seemed destined to win this match too.
Just when they thought of winning it, there was another twist courtesy of Rinku Singh’s strike.
After Khaleel Ahmed’s expensive eighteenth over which had six wides leaving India struggling; it was only through Rinku and Surkumar that their innings revived.
However, at that stage the game looked different with Kusal Mendis (43), Pathum Nissanka (26), and Perera (46) in cruise control mode during stands of 58 and 52 for the first and second wicket respectively. But also like winning losing is a habit, which the Islanders have gotten themselves into.
For Suryakumar, it was a dream series as he made significant contributions towards India’s success.
The introduction of Rinku in the 19th over by him also put a wide grin on Gautam Gambhir’s face.
Significant turn and variable bounce offered by the pitch allowed Sri Lankan spinners to effectively contain Indian batters. However, despite early wickets falling, India managed to post 137 for 9 with Shubman Gill (39 off 37 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) adding a valuable sixth wicket stand of 54 after being reduce to 48 for five.
Before this partnership started India struggled to select shots resulting in important players’ dismissal.
Sanju Samson got his second consecutive duck off Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s desperate slog while trying to counter attack debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe.
Rinku Singh had momentary lapse leading to his dismissal after failing to replicate his first season performance whereas Suryakumar failed once again too. Shivam Dube was unable to cope up with those away swinging deliveries either.
Despite such trials, Gill adapted himself playing cautiously rather than his customary attacking style while Parag showed some glimpses of what he can do through explosive shots. Among their highlights were Gill’s inside-out four over covers while Parag hit two sixes back-to-back against Wanindu Hasaranga’s bowling in that same over.
However both fell going for glory shots.
However, Sri Lanka lacked the presence of their key pacer Matheesha Pathirana who had a shoulder injury.
To maintain pressure on Indian batsmen and take wickets at regular intervals skipper Charith Asalanka employed four spinners.
