Indian cricket fans witnessed a heart-stopping finish in the third T20I against Sri Lanka as skipper Suryakumar Yadav stepped up to bowl the final over, securing a dramatic victory for India.
With Sri Lanka needing just six runs to win, Suryakumar, who had not bowled a single over in the match until that point, delivered a remarkable performance. He dismissed both Kamindu Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana in the over, conceding only five runs and sending the match into a nail-biting Super Over.
A Thrilling Final Over:
Here's how the final over unfolded:
Ball 1: Dot ball.
Ball 2: Kamindu Mendis bowled.
Ball 3: Maheesh Theekshana bowled.
Ball 4: One run.
Ball 5: Two runs.
Ball 6: Two runs.
Social Media Buzz:
Suryakumar's bowling heroics quickly went viral, with fans praising his composure under pressure and commending head coach Gautam Gambhir for his innovative bowling strategies. Many credited Gambhir's bold decisions, including the selection of Rinku Singh to bowl in the 19th over, for creating a new era of dynamic bowling in the Indian team.
A Super Over Finish:
The scores were tied after the thrilling final over, sending the match into a Super Over. Sri Lanka could only manage two runs in their Super Over, leaving India with a simple target. Suryakumar, once again proving his brilliance, hit a boundary off the first ball to seal the victory for India and secure a 3-0 series sweep.
Suryakumar's Perspective:
Following the match, Suryakumar highlighted the importance of his team's resilience after losing five wickets for only 48 runs. He praised the team's determination and highlighted the importance of learning to navigate challenging situations.
"More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48/5, how the boys showed character in the middle and took the game away from them... I felt 140 was a par score on that track," Suryakumar said. "The amount of skill they have, the self-confidence that they bring to the table, it makes my job very easy. The positivity they have on the ground and in the dressing room, the care for each other what they show is unbelievable."
Looking Ahead:
With the T20I series concluded, India now shifts its focus to the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. The series promises more exciting cricket and will be a chance for India to continue its strong form.