Cricket fans witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes of the season as Sri Lanka A edged India A in a thrilling Super Over after both sides finished locked on 265 runs in a pulsating contest.
What appeared to be Sri Lanka A’s game for long periods turned into a nail-biting spectacle before the visitors eventually held their nerve in fading light to emerge victorious.
Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam Rescue India A
After being asked to bat, India A endured a mixed outing with wickets falling at regular intervals. Early contributions came from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (21), Ruturaj Gaikwad (37), and captain Tilak Varma (23), but none were able to convert their starts into substantial scores.
The innings was revived by an outstanding partnership involving Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam. Shedge anchored the middle order brilliantly with a composed 72 off 66 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. At the other end, Nigam provided crucial momentum with a valuable 51 from 49 deliveries.
Despite their efforts, India A kept losing wickets at crucial stages and were eventually bowled out for 265 in 49.2 overs.
Samarawickrama’s Masterclass Keeps Sri Lanka A Alive
Chasing 266, Sri Lanka A received an early boost from Niroshan Dickwella (37) and the aggressive Avishka Fernando (22 off 14).
The backbone of the chase, however, was Sadeera Samarawickrama. The right-hander produced a magnificent knock of 93 from 113 balls, holding the innings together during challenging phases of the chase.
Wanindu Sahan contributed 25, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth added 18 valuable runs lower down the order as Sri Lanka A continued to stay within touching distance of the target.
India A’s bowlers repeatedly struck back to keep the contest balanced, with Arshad Khan, Ayush Badoni, Vipraj Nigam and Nishant Sindhu all producing important breakthroughs.
Scores Level, Match Heads to Super Over
With tension at its peak, Sri Lanka A managed to finish on exactly 265/9 from their 50 overs, forcing a Super Over. The dramatic finish was made even more intense by fading light and several discussions involving players and umpires before the tiebreaker could begin.
As darkness approached, both teams knew one mistake could decide the outcome.
Avishka Fernando’s Six Changes Everything
Sri Lanka A batted first in the Super Over against Arshad Khan. After a couple of early runs and a controversial wide decision, the defining moment arrived when Avishka Fernando launched a towering six over long-on. That strike proved priceless in the context of the contest.
Sri Lanka A finished their Super Over with 16 runs on the board, setting India A a challenging target of 17.
Mathulan Holds His Nerve
India A’s response began steadily. Suryansh Shedge and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi collected singles and twos to stay in the chase. A boundary from Vaibhav kept hopes alive, but Sri Lanka A pacer Kugathas Mathulan executed his yorkers perfectly under pressure.
Needing a big finish, India A could only manage nine runs in the over. The final ball saw Vaibhav swing and miss as Sri Lanka A erupted in celebration. The Super Over ended 16-9 in Sri Lanka A’s favour, sealing a memorable victory.
How Sri Lanka A Won the Thriller
Sri Lanka A’s composure under pressure proved to be the difference in a contest that swung repeatedly between both sides. After matching India A’s total of 265 and forcing a Super Over, the visitors remained calm during a dramatic finish played under fading light. Avishka Fernando’s crucial six and Kugathas Mathulan’s pinpoint yorkers ultimately sealed a memorable victory, highlighting Sri Lanka A’s ability to deliver when the stakes were at their highest.
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