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The third and final T20 match between India and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium concluded in a thrilling Super Over, culminating in a whitewash for the Indian team. India, after setting a target of 137 runs, found themselves neck-and-neck with their opponents as Sri Lanka mirrored the score at the end of their innings. The game ultimately hinged on the Super Over, where India showcased their resilience and dominance.
The match commenced with a delayed start due to inclement weather, with Sri Lanka opting to field first after winning the toss. India's batting order faced a rocky start as they lost wickets in quick succession, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson departing early. Rinku Singh, promoted up the order, also struggled, contributing only a single run. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, despite his efforts to stabilize the innings, could only add 8 runs before being dismissed.
However, a crucial 54-run partnership between Riyan Parag and Shubman Gill, India's top scorer with 39 runs, steadied the ship and helped them surpass the 100-run mark. Gill's dismissal, followed by Parag's exit, brought Washington Sundar to the crease. Sundar's vital 25 runs off his willow further bolstered India's score. Despite a late run-out of Mohammed Siraj on the final ball of the innings, India managed to reach 137 for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka's chase began promisingly with a 58-run opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. However, the dismissal of Nissanka brought Kusal Perera to the crease. Perera's solid partnership with Mendis pushed Sri Lanka closer to the target. The dismissal of Mendis, seven runs short of his half-century, paved the way for a late Indian comeback. Sundar's dismissal of Hasaranga and Asalanka in consecutive deliveries fueled the Indian hopes.
Rinku, entrusted with the penultimate over, delivered a crucial wicket, removing Perera and further unsettling the hosts. Suryakumar, entrusted with the final over, showcased his skills by picking up two wickets and limiting Sri Lanka to 137, forcing a Super Over.
The Super Over saw India's spinner Sundar emerge as the hero, taking two wickets for as many runs to bring the Sri Lankan innings to a close. Suryakumar, entrusted with the task of sealing the victory, delivered a first-ball boundary to secure a whitewash for India, solidifying their dominance in the series.
This thrilling victory cemented India's supremacy over Sri Lanka in the T20 series. India's performance, marked by resilience and tactical prowess, showcased their strong form and ability to overcome challenges. The Super Over victory, particularly, was a testament to India's ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. This victory will undoubtedly boost India's morale and confidence heading into future tournaments.
Source: India Clinch Thriller Against Sri Lanka in Super Over to Complete Whitewash of Neighbours