In an electrifying conclusion to the T20I series, India and Sri Lanka clashed in a high-stakes encounter on Tuesday, July 30, 2023, in Pallekele. The gripping third and final T20I saw both teams locked in a neck-and-neck contest, with each side amassing 137 runs in their allotted 20 overs. As the game extended into a super over, India clinched a dramatic triumph, chasing down a modest target of three runs to not only win the match but also complete a clean sweep of the series 3-0.
Washington Sundar emerged as the hero of the super over for India, delivering a sensational performance by dismissing key Sri Lankan batsmen Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka while surrendering just two runs. What made Sundar’s heroics even more remarkable was his revelation that he wasn’t initially aware he would be bowling the crucial over. The decision came as a surprise after India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, handed the ball to him only after the Sri Lankan batsmen had taken their positions at the crease.
“Honestly, I had no idea I was going to bowl,” Sundar admitted post-match. “It was after the batsmen walked out that Surya turned behind and said: ‘Washy, you’re on.’ I was very happy, to be honest. When the captain wants you to bowl especially in tough situations, in a Super Over. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win games for my country. Thank God it went well.”
Sundar’s all-round effort did not go unnoticed as he was deservedly named the Player of the Match. Batting earlier, the left-hander contributed a valuable 25 runs, helping India post a competitive score of 137 after an unsteady start. His bowling figures of 2/23 in his four overs solidified his status as a game-changer for India in this pivotal match. Remarkably, this was the only game in the series where Sundar was given an opportunity, and he seized it with both hands.
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Adding to the tension and excitement of the match, India’s strategy in the final overs of Sri Lanka’s innings showed innovative captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav. The last two overs saw unconventional choices for bowling – with Rinku Singh and Yadav himself delivering under immense pressure. Particularly, when Sri Lanka required just nine runs to clinch the victory, these decisions proved pivotal.
“It was amazing from Surya and his leadership skills. I think he felt given the situation if he bowled more spinners we’d have a good chance to win the game. Given the wicket and the situation, he took one or two options, and it did wonders for us. There were only 12 balls to go and Kusal Perera was batting. Rinku got him out and Surya himself came on in the last over and almost won the game for us. We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat, but he also has a big heart in leadership as well,” Sundar added, reflecting on the brave tactics employed by his skipper.
This triumphant win not only highlighted India’s resilience and tactical acumen but also showcased individual brilliance. Sundar’s performance in this nerve-wracking scenario underscored the importance of seizing opportunities at the highest level and stepping up when the team needs it the most.
For Sundar, this match will likely be remembered as a defining moment in his career, displaying his clutch bowling under pressure and his ability to perform with both bat and ball. His surprise reaction to being called upon for the super over adds an almost cinematic twist to an already thrilling game, reinforcing why cricket remains a sport full of unexpected twists and sensational highlights.
In conclusion, India’s emphatic series win in Sri Lanka is a testament to the team’s depth, talent, and leadership. The game in Pallekele will be etched in the memories of cricket fans as a spectacle of strategic brilliance, nail-biting tension, and individual heroics, culminating in a memorable victory for the visitors.
