Pallekele: India sealed the T20I series with a nail-biting 3-0 triumph after an edge-of-the-seat finale in the third and final match on Tuesday.
Despite already having the series in the bag, India made four changes to their lineup, a move that added extra intrigue to an already intense clash.
Batting first on a tricky pitch, India stumbled early, finding themselves at a precarious 30 for 4 in the powerplay and later at 48 for 5. But the resilient Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag combined forces for a crucial fifty-run partnership, giving India a glimmer of hope.
Washington Sundar then delivered a vital knock, propelling India to a competitive total of 137. But Sri Lanka responded with determination. Their openers played cautiously, building a fifty-run stand. Even after the loss of Pathum Nissanka to Ravi Bishnoi, another strong partnership seemed to put Sri Lanka in the driver's seat.
The match took a dramatic turn in the final overs. With Sri Lanka needing just 9 runs off the last two overs, the pressure proved too much. Bishnoi’s spell, including the key wicket of Kusal Mendis (43 off 41), and Sundar’s crucial strikes in his fourth over set up a tense climax.
Khaleel Ahmed’s wides in the 18th over intensified the drama, but Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav maintained their composure. In a sensational Super Over, Sundar’s brilliance shone through as he dismissed Kusal Perera and Nissanka for ducks. Suryakumar then sealed the victory with a single ball to spare, capping off a thrilling finish and securing India’s clean sweep in style.
