New Delhi: The tri-series A series clash between India A and Sri Lanka A at Dambulla on Monday had everything cricket fans could have asked for – drama, controversy, confusion and a thrilling Super Over finish. Just when Sri Lanka A looked to be on their way to victory, India A struck twice in the final over to make the match a tie and eventually a Super Over. But the drama began before the tie was even assured.
Confusion on last ball leg bye
Needing a run to win off the last ball, Sri Lanka A batsman Chamika Gunasekara was hit on the pads by a low full toss. Arshad Khan. The ball flipped, allowing the batsmen to complete a run, before Ganasekera was run out in a second attempt.When the scores were level, the umpires signaled a tie, but India A’s captain Tilak Verma Immediately questioned whether the first run should have counted at all. The Indian players argued that the leg-bye should not have been given as Gunasekra had not offered the shot.The umpires debated at length before confirming the run and declaring the match a tie, setting up a super over.
More controversy in the Super Over
The drama continued when Sri Lanka A batted first in the Super Over. Dim light became a major concern and with no floodlights available for the tournament, every delivery added stress.The Indian players were frustrated by a wide call on the second ball when the delivery hit the batsman’s boot. The disagreement continued throughout the over.The biggest moment came on the last ball when Arshad Khan bowled a waist high full toss to Fernando. Fernando mistimed the shot and took the catch, seemingly ending the over.However, the delivery was ruled a no-ball due to its height, prompting fresh protests from the Indian players. Some had already started walking back to the dressing room before being called back by the officials.The new ball allowed Sri Lanka A to finish with 18 runs in the super over, leaving India A with a target of 19.
Dim lighting adds to the tension.
The match was played in increasingly poor light conditions, with players and officials repeatedly debating whether there was enough daylight left to complete the contest.Tilak Verma was seen talking to both the umpires and his Sri Lankan counterpart as concerns over visibility grew. Since floodlights were not being used for the tournament, the officials had to ensure that the conditions were fair for both sides.
Sri Lanka A hold their nerve to win the Super Over.
Sri Lanka A held their nerve in the Super Over and emerged victorious in a match full of twists and turns.Asked to chase down 19 runs for victory after Sri Lanka A scored 18 runs in the super over, India A bowled out the explosive pair of Vibhu Suryavanshi and Suryanesh Shedge. Given their hitting prowess, India A looked well placed to end the chase.However, Sri Lanka AK bowler Kaghadas Matulan bowled a brilliant over under pressure.Despite having power hitters at the crease, India A managed just 10 runs without losing a wicket in their six balls, eight runs short of the target.
