India A vs Sri Lanka A: Tri-Nation Series match ends in Super Over controversy

BCCI Photo

NEW DELHI: The Tri-Nation A Series clash between India A and Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Monday had everything a cricket fan could ask for — drama, controversy, confusion and a thrilling Super Over finish. Just when Sri Lanka A appeared to be cruising to victory, India A struck twice in the final over to force the match into a tie and eventually a Super Over. But the drama had already begun before the tie was confirmed.

Confusion over final-ball leg bye

Needing one run to win off the final ball, Sri Lanka A batter Chamika Gunasekara was struck on the pad by a low full toss from Arshad Khan. The ball rolled away, allowing the batters to complete a run before Gunasekara was run out while attempting a second. As the scores were level, the umpires signalled a tie, but India A captain Tilak Varma immediately questioned whether the first run should have counted at all. The Indian players argued that Gunasekara had not offered a shot and therefore the leg bye should not have been awarded. The umpires held lengthy discussions before confirming the run and declaring the match tied, setting up a Super Over.

More controversy in the Super Over

The drama continued as Sri Lanka A batted first in the Super Over. With fading light becoming a major concern and no floodlights available for the tournament, every delivery carried extra tension. India's players were left frustrated by a wide call on the second ball after the delivery appeared to hit the batter's boot. The disagreement continued throughout the over. The biggest moment came on the final ball when Arshad Khan bowled a waist-high full toss to Avishka Fernando. Fernando mistimed the shot and was caught, seemingly ending the over. However, the delivery was ruled a no-ball for height, sparking fresh protests from the Indian players. Some had already started walking back towards the dressing room before being called back by the officials. The no-ball allowed Sri Lanka A to finish with 18 runs in the Super Over, leaving India A with a target of 19.

Fading light adds to tension

The match was played under increasingly poor light conditions, with players and officials repeatedly discussing whether there was enough daylight left to complete the contest. Tilak Varma was seen speaking to both the umpires and his Sri Lankan counterpart as concerns over visibility grew. Since floodlights were not being used for the tournament, officials had to ensure conditions remained fair for both sides.

Sri Lanka A hold their nerve to win Super Over

Sri Lanka A held their nerve in the Super Over to emerge victorious in a match packed with twists and controversy. Asked to chase 19 runs for victory after Sri Lanka A posted 18 in the Super Over, India A sent out the explosive pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge. Given their hitting ability, India A appeared well-placed to pull off the chase. However, Sri Lanka A bowler Kughadas Mathulan delivered a superb over under pressure. Despite having power-hitters at the crease, India A could manage only 10 runs without losing a wicket in their six deliveries, falling eight runs short of the target.

End of Article