• India registered a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I.

  • Washington Sundar was named Player of the Match for his spectacular all-round performance.

Netizens celebrate as India completes a T20I series whitewash with a super over victory against Sri Lanka
India's thrilling win over Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

In a pulsating finale to the T20I series, the Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, secured a dramatic victory over Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (July 30). India achieved a clean sweep in the series, winning 3-0, despite facing a challenging final match that extended into a Super Over. The Indian side emerged victorious from a precarious position, largely due to the exceptional bowling performances of Rinku Singh and Suryakumar in the final overs of the match.

India’s resilient performance

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first, putting India on the back foot early on. The Lankan bowlers restricted the Indian top order significantly, with only Shubman Gill managing to make a substantial impact. Gill scored 39 runs off 37 balls, while the rest of the top-order struggled, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), Sanju Samson (0), Rinku (1), Suryakumar (8) and Shivam Dube (13) all failing to contribute effectively. India lost five wickets for just 45 runs, struggling to build a solid foundation.

Despite the top-order collapse, Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) and Washington Sundar (25 off 18 balls) provided some valuable contributions. Their efforts, along with Gill’s innings, helped India post a total of 137 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Maheesh Theekshana was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets.

Also READ: SL vs IND: Fans spark meme fest as Sanju Samson registers back-to-back ducks in the T20I series

Sri Lanka’s chase and super over drama

In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Kusal Mendis, who scored 43 runs off 41 balls. However, key moments in the match turned the tide in India’s favor. Washington Sundar‘s crucial double-wicket over in the 17th over, where he dismissed two Sri Lankan batters, significantly tightened the contest. When Sri Lanka needed 9 runs from 12 balls, Rinku, making his T20 debut as a bowler, delivered a stunning 19th over. He dismissed Kusal Perera (46 off 34 balls) and Ramesh Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka needing 6 runs off the final over.

Captain Suryakumar took charge of the last over for India and delivered a remarkable performance, taking two wickets and conceding only five runs. This superb bowling effort restricted Sri Lanka to 137 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs, and the match proceeded to the Super Over.

The decisive super over: India’s thrilling finish

The Super Over began with Sri Lanka batting first, facing a crucial task to set a challenging target for India. Sri Lanka’s innings nevertheless was quickly disrupted by India’s Sundar, who delivered a masterful performance.

Sundar’s accuracy and composure under pressure were evident as he restricted Sri Lanka to just 3 runs in their Super Over. His first delivery resulted in a single, and he followed up with a well-placed ball that yielded another single. Sundar’s next delivery trapped a Sri Lankan batter in front of the stumps for a critical wicket. After another dot ball and a single, Sundar struck again, taking another wicket and ensuring the Sri Lankans could only manage a total of 3 runs.

With the modest target set, India’s Suryakumar took on the challenge of chasing down the runs. He faced the first ball of the Super Over with intent, and with a powerful stroke, struck a boundary through the infield. This boundary not only secured the winning runs but also sealed the match for India, confirming their clean sweep of the series with a 3-0 victory.

Here’s how Netizens reacted:

Also READ: New captain to lead as Sri Lanka announces 16-member ODI squad for India series

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Weekly News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured India Sri Lanka T20 Twitter Reactions

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.