SKY & Gambhir’s New Era Begins: India Clinches Series in Thrilling Super Over Showdown

In an exhilarating display of cricket, Team India secured a 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka, triumphing in a super over after a dramatic collapse by the visitors. Under the new leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, India’s tactical acumen and grit were on full display. The third T20I, held at a spinning track, proved to be a testament to India’s resilience and strategic prowess.

India’s Challenging Start and Middle Order Recovery

With the series already in the bag, India made four changes to their XI for the final match. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh were rested, making way for Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar and Khaleel Ahmed.

Having put in to bat first, they faced immediate setbacks, finding themselves at a precarious 30/4 during the powerplay. The situation worsened as they were reduced to 48/5. However, Shubman Gill (39 off 37) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18) stitched together a crucial fifty partnership, steadying the ship. Later, Washington Sundar played a pivotal role, scoring 25 off 18 at number 8, pushing India to a competitive total of 137 on a spin-friendly pitch.

Sri Lanka’s Promising Start and Sudden Collapse

Sri Lanka began their chase cautiously, accumulating 35 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Their openers gradually increased the scoring rate, forging a fifty partnership. Even after Nissanka fell to Ravi Bishnoi, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis built another steady partnership. At one stage, Sri Lanka seemed poised for victory, needing just 30 runs off the last 30 balls with nine wickets in hand. But the Indian bowlers had other plans.

Bishnoi struck again, removing Mendis in the 16th over. Washington Sundar then delivered a game-changing over, claiming the crucial wickets of former skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and current captain Charith Asalanka. Despite Khaleel Ahmed’s erratic 18th over that included 5 wides, leaving India needing just 9 runs off the last two overs, Sri Lanka faltered dramatically.

In a surprising move, Rinku Singh, who had never bowled in T20Is before, was given the 19th over. He conceded just three runs and picked up two vital wickets, leaving Sri Lanka needing six runs from the final over. Suryakumar Yadav, also bowling for the first time in T20Is, took the responsibility of the last over. Despite India being behind the over-rate and allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, SKY gave away just five runs and claimed two wickets, tying the game and sending it to a super over.

Super Over Drama Unfolds

Washington Sundar started the super over with a wide. However, he quickly recovered, dismissing Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka with successive deliveries caught at the boundary. Sri Lanka managed just two runs in their super over, setting a modest target of three for India.

With only three runs needed, Suryakumar Yadav swept Maheesh Theekshana’s first ball towards short fine leg. The ball slipped through Asitha Fernando’s legs and raced to the boundary, sealing a thrilling victory for India.

This match marked the third consecutive collapse for Sri Lanka in the series:

• 1st T20I: 30/9 in the final 6 overs
• 2nd T20I: 31/7 in the final 5 overs
• 3rd T20I: 22/7 in the final 4.2 overs

Despite promising starts, Sri Lanka repeatedly faltered under pressure, unable to capitalize on their advantageous positions.

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