India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I: The 3rd T20I between India and Sri Lanka was nothing short of a roller coaster ride, culminating in a dramatic Super Over that saw India clinch a 3-0 series sweep.
Let’s have a look into more details: India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Brilliance
Sri Lanka started strong, leveraging the favorable conditions after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Their bowlers, particularly debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe, were on point, restricting India to a modest total of 137/9. India’s top order crumbled, with key players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed cheaply. The standout moment came when debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe claimed his first international wicket, dismissing Samson for a golden duck.
Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag tried to stabilize the innings with a 54 run partnership, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s spell ensured India could never fully recover. Hasaranga’s double strike, removing Gill and Parag in quick succession, kept India’s score in check. Washington Sundar’s late efforts (17 off 14) added some crucial runs, but the target seemed within Sri Lanka’s reach on a spin friendly pitch.
India’s Fightback with the Ball
Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily with openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka putting up a solid 58 run stand. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 17th over. Washington Sundar’s double strike off consecutive deliveries started a collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose seven wickets for just 29 runs in the last five overs. Ravi Bishnoi’s dismissal of Kusal Mendis, coupled with sharp fielding and strategic bowling changes, brought India back into the game.
The Nail Biting Finale
Sri Lanka needed just nine runs off the last two overs but managed to tie the scores, leading to a Super Over. Washington Sundar’s exceptional bowling restricted Sri Lanka to a mere two runs in their Super Over. Suryakumar Yadav, carrying his superb form, finished the match in style by hitting the first ball of India’s Super Over for a boundary, securing a clean sweep for India.
Key Moments
- Sri Lanka’s Initial Dominance: Winning the toss and capitalizing on the conditions, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Wickramasinghe on debut, showcased remarkable discipline.
- India’s Middle Order Resilience: Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag’s partnership was vital in pushing India’s total to a defendable score.
- Sundar and Bishnoi’s Crucial Strikes: Sundar’s double strike in the 17th over and Bishnoi’s key wicket of Mendis were pivotal in turning the game.
- Sri Lanka’s Collapse: Despite being in a commanding position, Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure, reminiscent of their previous collapses in the series.
- Suryakumar Yadav’s Captaincy: His strategic decisions, including bowling the final over and his calmness in the Super Over, highlighted his leadership capabilities.
India’s dramatic win in the 3rd T20I not only highlighted their resilience and strategic acumen but also underscored the importance of staying composed under pressure. Sri Lanka showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the bowling department, but their batting inconsistency proved costly. As India celebrates a successful series under new captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, Sri Lanka will need to regroup and address their middle-order fragility ahead of future fixtures.
Read more : India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: India Clinches Series with 7 Wicket Win Against Sri Lanka
FAQ
Who won the 3rd T20I match between India and Sri Lanka?
India won the 3rd T20I match in a Super Over
