India completes stunning whitewash with Super Over victory against Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan spinners showcased their prowess, catching the Indian batters off guard on a pitch offering significant turn and variable bounce. Despite these challenges, India managed to post a competitive total of 137 for 9 in the inconsequential third T20 International on Tuesday. The visitors' total, which seemed modest initially, turned out to be a defendable one in a low-scoring thriller that culminated in a Super Over.

The Sri Lankan spin quartet, led by Charith Asalanka, choked the Indian run flow and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Shubman Gill (39 off 37 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) stood out for India, adding a crucial 54 runs for the sixth wicket after India was reeling at 48 for 5. However, questionable shot selection by the Indian batters was a point of concern.

Sanju Samson, stepping in for the rested Rishabh Pant, had a forgettable outing, scoring his second consecutive duck. His dismissal, a desperate slog off debutant seamer Chamindu Wickramasinghe, highlighted his struggles. Rinku Singh, who had a stellar season, is now in a rough patch, evident from his misjudged attempt at a length ball that led to his downfall.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav's trademark shot behind the square found a fielder, while Shivam Dube struggled to read the turning deliveries. Maheesh Theekshana (3/28) emerged as the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, effectively exploiting the conditions.

In the chase, Sri Lanka appeared to be in control, cruising at 110 for 1 in 15.1 overs, needing just 28 runs from 29 balls. However, their innings unraveled spectacularly, losing seven wickets for 27 runs in just 4.5 overs. This collapse led to a tied score of 137 for 8, pushing the match into a Super Over.

In the Super Over, Washington Sundar delivered a stellar performance, taking two wickets and conceding only two runs. Suryakumar Yadav then sealed the match with a first-ball sweep shot, ensuring India’s victory and a 3-0 series whitewash.

The match's turning point came in the 20th over of Sri Lanka's innings, when Suryakumar, with six runs to defend, took two wickets with his first two balls. Earlier, part-timer Rinku Singh, making his T20I bowling debut, had taken two crucial wickets, including that of Kusal Perera (46), when Sri Lanka needed just 9 runs off 12 balls.

Khaleel Ahmed’s 18th over, which included six wides, had nearly cost India the match. However, the subsequent overs saw a dramatic turnaround. Kusal Mendis (43), Pathum Nissanka (26), and Perera were in control, with partnerships of 58 and 52 for the first and second wickets, respectively. Yet, their inability to close out the game mirrored their previous collapses in the series.

Sri Lanka's repeated batting failures highlighted their struggle to handle pressure situations, a habit they seem to have developed. In contrast, Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership shone through. His tactical decisions, including bringing Rinku into the attack in the 19th over, were instrumental in India's victory. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s wide grin reflected the team’s satisfaction with their young skipper's performance.

Earlier, Sri Lankan spinners had put Indian batters under immense pressure on a turning track. The visitors managed to post a decent 137 for 9, with Gill and Parag providing some resistance. Sanju Samson’s poor form continued, while Rinku Singh’s indiscretion cost him dearly. Suryakumar and Shivam Dube also struggled against the Lankan spinners, with Theekshana being the pick of the bowlers.

Despite these challenges, Gill and Parag managed to steady the ship for a while. Gill's inside-out lofted boundary over covers and Parag's successive sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga were the highlights of the Indian innings before both fell attempting big shots.

India's victory in the Super Over not only completed a series whitewash but also underscored the depth and resilience of the team under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. The series win, achieved despite challenging conditions and formidable opposition spin attack, bodes well for the team's future campaigns.