India clinch series with thrilling super over victory against Sri Lanka

With nine runs needed off 12 balls, Suryakumar Yadav took a gamble, bowling himself and Rinku Singh

PHOTO: AFP

In a nail-biting finish, India clinched a Super Over win against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday, securing a T20I series whitewash. Sri Lanka's third collapse in as many games dashed their hopes of avoiding a clean sweep, despite a strong start in their chase.

Put in to bat after a rain delay, India managed to post a modest 137/9. Sri Lanka's bowlers dominated the PowerPlay, reducing India to 30/4. Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped LBW by Maheesh Theekshana, followed by Sanju Samson's second successive duck. Rinku Singh fell attempting a lofted shot, and captain Suryakumar Yadav's signature sweep resulted in his dismissal, leaving India reeling.

Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag then steadied the ship, building a fifty-plus stand. Parag played the aggressor, hitting two leg-side sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, while Gill provided stability. However, Hasaranga struck back, dismissing both set batters. Washington Sundar's cameo of 25 helped India reach a semi-decent total of 137/9.

Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, laid a solid foundation in the PowerPlay, scoring 35 without loss. Mendis, who had a couple of close calls, got going with boundaries off Ravi Bishnoi. However, Bishnoi eventually trapped Mendis plumb in front, sparking a collapse.

Kusal Perera joined Mendis, and together they kept Sri Lanka in the hunt. Perera's aggressive knock was crucial, but as wickets fell around him, the pressure mounted. Bishnoi's stunning catch sent the big-hitting Hasaranga back, and Washington Sundar's double strike in the 18th over further dented Sri Lanka's hopes.

With nine runs needed off 12 balls, Suryakumar Yadav took a gamble, bowling himself and Rinku Singh. The move paid off as the duo restricted Sri Lanka, sending the game into a Super Over.

Sri Lanka managed only two runs in the Super Over, including a wide from Washington Sundar. Kusal Perera hit a pull straight to deep backward square leg, and Pathum Nissanka failed to get the elevation on his shot. India needed just three runs to win, and Suryakumar Yadav's sweep resulted in a boundary due to a misfield, ending Sri Lanka's misery and sealing a memorable victory for India.