New Delhi: Sri Lanka A pulled off a thrilling Super Over victory over India A in the tri-series on Monday in a contest that had everything a tied finish, confusion over playing conditions, heated arguments with umpires and an ugly post-match altercation.
Asked to bat first, India A recovered from a middle-order collapse to post 265, thanks largely to a superb 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam.
Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided an early spark with a quickfire 21 off 14 balls before Tilak Varma (23) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (32) steadied the innings. However, Sri Lanka A’s spinners triggered a collapse as India A slumped from 91 for 2 to 143 for 7.
Shedge then produced a brilliant 72 off 66 balls, while Nigam chipped in with 51 to help India A reach a competitive total.
In reply, Sri Lanka A rode on Sadeera Samarawickrama’s classy 91 to stay in the chase. The hosts needed five runs in the final over, but Arshad Khan bowled brilliantly to concede just four. With two needed off the last ball, Sri Lanka A managed only a single before a run-out while attempting the second run tied the scores.
The drama escalated when fading light raised doubts over whether a Super Over could be held. India A captain Tilak Varma and team officials were involved in animated discussions with the umpires before play resumed.
Sri Lanka A scored 18 in the Super Over, aided by extras and a six from Avishka Fernando. A high full toss on the final delivery was initially ruled a wicket before the third umpire overturned the decision and awarded a no-ball, triggering further protests from the Indian camp.
Chasing 19, India A sent out Shedge and Sooryavanshi. The youngster struck a boundary but Sri Lanka A pacer Kugathas Mathulan held his nerve with pinpoint yorkers, leaving India A short of the target.
Emotions boiled over after the match as players from both sides exchanged heated words, with Sooryavanshi appearing to shove a Sri Lankan player during the celebrations, capping off an unforgettable contest.
