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In a thrilling match between Sri Lanka and India, the visitors clinched the third T20I in a nail-biting Super Over, sweeping the series 3-0. The highlight of the match was the eye-catching decision by Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav to entrust the critical Super Over to 24-year-old off-spinner Washington Sundar. This unconventional move paid off spectacularly well as Sundar delivered an exceptional performance.
Washington Sundar on Suryakumar Yadav’s surprising Super Over decision
After the match, Sundar said he was very surprised that Suryakumar chose him to bowl a super over, “Honestly, I had no idea I was going to bowl. After the batsman walked out, Surya turned and said, ‘Washy, you’re on‘ It was a complete surprise.” said Sundar as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Sundar revealed, despite the initial shock, that he expressed his gratitude for the captain’s confidence in him during such a crucial moment, “I was very happy, to be honest. When the captain trusts you to bowl in tough situations, especially in a super over, it means a lot.”
Sundar saw this as a golden opportunity for his team to shine. “I thought it was a great chance for me to step up and win games for my country. Thank God it went well,” he added, reflecting on the pivotal moment.
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Sundar’s all-round brilliance secures Player of the Match award
In a high-pressure situation, Sundar conceded only two runs and took two crucial wickets, leaving Sri Lanka with a meagre target of three runs for India to chase. The Indian team effortlessly met the target, with Suryakumar smashing a boundary on the very first ball of the super over, securing victory with five balls to spare.
Sundar’s all-around performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He took four wickets during the game, including two crucial ones in the Super Over, underscoring his importance as a key player for the team.
The forthcoming ODI series between Sri Lanka and India
As the T20I series concludes, focus now turns to the upcoming ODI series between the two teams. The first One Day International will begin at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, 2024. The three-match ODI series is expected to be an exciting showdown, with India riding high on their strong T20I performance.