New Delhi: India A’s thrilling tri-series against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had it all – a tied match, a super over, controversy, and an ugly post-match brawl involving teenage sensation Vabhu Suryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A’s sealed victory, one question continued to be debated: Why was the super over bowled despite rapidly deteriorating light?The answer lies in a series of tensions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that eventually left the players struggling to even see the ball.
Despite the fading light, Tilak Verma pushed the super over.
According to Sportsstar report, India A captain Tilak Verma was keen to ensure the outcome of the match and repeatedly urged the umpires to go ahead with the super over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.As the players gathered near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained that there was still plenty of time to complete the tie-breaker.However, the Sri Lankan camp was far less certain. The players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jayapragash engaged in lengthy discussions, with animated exchanges between the two sides arguing whether the situation was fit to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Officials warned that the game could be stopped.
Sources quoted by Sportsstar revealed that the Indian team was informed that the umpires retained the authority to stop proceedings in case of poor visibility on an unsafe surface. However, despite the deteriorating conditions, the match continued, with the fast bowlers performing in dim light that left many observers baffled.By the time Vibhu Suryavanshi and Suryanesh Shedge were out to chase down 17 runs, the show had become a serious concern. From the stands, it became difficult for spectators to track the ball. The players looked equally nervous.“Dude, Ballin Dekhe Hai Nain Hai (Matt, I can’t even see the ball),” one player was heard saying to his teammates, according to the same report.India A eventually managed just nine runs in the Super Over and suffered their second straight defeat.Disappointment grew after the match when Suryavanshi got into a heated exchange with Sri Lanka A players, including Vishan Halambay, leading to an ugly end to the match.Meanwhile, questions surrounding the decision to continue the match under such a poor display are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.India A now head into a must-win encounter against Afghanistan A, relying on other results to keep their hopes alive and need a win and a healthy increase in their net run rate.
