New Delhi: India A vs Sri Lanka A clash in the tri-nation A series at Dambulla had it all – a thrilling chase, a controversial finish, a heated debate with the umpires, a super over and an angry exchange involving teenage batting sensation Vibhu Suryavanshi.What started as a routine group stage fixture turned into one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. With dim lights, controversial decisions and emotions running high, the players, umpires and team officials were involved in several tense moments before Sri Lanka A finally prevailed.At the center of the drama was 15-year-old Suryavanshi, who was seen first getting into an argument with the umpires, then trying to pull the captain. Tilak Verma away from an argument and later engaging in a heated exchange with the Sri Lankan players after India’s defeat.
India A vs Sri Lanka Super over drama In Dambulla: How it unfolded
India A got out of trouble.
Batting first, India A got off to another flying start through Suryavanshi, who scored 21 off 14 balls with a six and two fours before being dismissed.Tilak Verma (23) and Rituraj Gaikwad (32) added 52 runs for the third wicket, but the Sri Lanka AK spinners wreaked havoc. India A slipped from 91/2 to 143/7 before Suresh Shidge (72 off 66) and Vipraj Nigam (51 off 49) salvaged the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket.India A team was bowled out for 265 runs in 49.2 overs.
Samara Wickrama took Sri Lanka A close.
Sri Lanka A looked set for victory thanks to Sidira Samara Wickrama’s brilliant 93 runs. The hosts needed just five runs in the last over with wickets to spare.But left-arm fast bowler Arshad Khan produced a brilliant over full of yorkers, conceding just four runs to force the match to end in dramatic fashion on the last ball.
A fight begins.
On the last ball of the innings, Chamika Gana took to the sacra pad and completed a run before being run out during a second attempt.The run tied the score, but Tilak Varma immediately questioned whether the run should have counted. India A argued that Gunasekara had not offered the shot and therefore the leg bye should not have been given.A lengthy discussion ensued involving umpires, players and team officials as the dim light added another layer of uncertainty.
Tilak argues, Suryavanshi intervenes.
As Tilak continued his conversation with the umpires near the boundary ropes, Suryavanshi also entered the conversation.In a video that later went viral on social media, the youngster was seen engaging in an argument before India A head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar pulled him away from the officials.Moments later, Suryavanshi was seen urging Tilak to separate from the umpires as the India A captain continued to press his case.After several minutes of deliberation, the umpires decided that the match was a tie and would be decided by a super over.
More drama in the Super Over
With the unavailability of floodlights for the tournament and poor visibility, concerns remain as to whether there is enough light to complete the competition.Batting first in the Super Over, Sri Lanka A scored 16 runs off Arshad Khan’s over. India was unhappy with the wide and no-ball call during the A over, which led to further discussions with the officials.The new ball proved particularly costly as it took Sri Lanka A to 16.
Suryavanshi’s challenge is less.
Chasing 17 runs to win, India A dismissed Suryavanshi and Suryanish Shidge.However, Sri Lankan fast bowler Kagathas Mathulan held his composure brilliantly under pressure. The fast bowler restricted the pair throughout the over and conceded just nine runs.Suryavanshi faced the last three balls but could not get the big breakthroughs that India desperately needed as Sri Lanka completed a memorable victory.
Anger flares up after it’s over.
The drama did not end with the last ball.As Sri Lanka A celebrated wildly, Suryavanshi looked visibly disappointed. Television cameras showed the young man exchanging words with the Sri Lankan players, before he pushed one of them.Players from both sides quickly stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating, with senior Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dikwela among those helping to calm the situation.It was India A’s second defeat in the tournament.
