Sri Lanka’s 3rd and final match of the series against India at Pallekele made them record the most losses in T20I history.
This Sri Lankan defeat, which was their 105th (including Super Overs lost), thus took them ahead of Bangladesh who has 104 defeats.
West Indies and Zimbabwe come next with 101 and 99 losses in that order. Sri Lanka won the toss thanks to Charith Asalanka, their captain and chose to bowl first. India mounted a remarkable comeback after losing early wickets, with all players contributing towards the score reaching 137/9 from the available overs. Shubman Gill knocked forty-nine runs off thirty-seven balls making only three fours. Riyan Parag managed twenty-six runs while Washington Sundar bagged as many points in the last overs.
Maheesh Theekshana spearheaded attack for Lankans taking three wickets for just twenty-eight runs in his four-over spell.
Another bowler Wanindu Hasaranga also claimed two wickets giving away less than thirty runs per each of them.
In their run chase Sri Lanka relied heavily on their top four batsmen. Kusal Perera registered forty-six runs off thirty-four deliveries with five fours whereas Kusal Mendis accumulated forty-three runs from his bat over three dozen plus one delivery (three fours). Pathum Nissanka hit twenty-six off twenty-seven balls including five fours. However, Sri Lanka could only match India’s total of 137/8 thereby necessitating a Super Over.
Two Indian bowlers were instrumental as well; Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav both taking two wickets each. In fact, Yadav bowled six balls defending his team’s six runs on last over leading us into supper over. On other hand, Ravi Bishnoi together with Washington Sundar also picked up two wickets apiece in the game.
Sri Lanka was pathetic during their batting in the Super Over and managed to score only 2/2. Suryakumar Yadav swept his first ball towards short fine leg thus providing India with four runs that gave them victory.
Washington Sundar was voted the Player of the Match for his all-round effort although Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the Player of the Series courtesy of his consistently excellent performances throughout this series.
