Sri Lanka set an unenviable record, registering their 105th defeat in T20 Internationals after a thrilling super over loss to India. Under the new leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, India displayed tactical acumen and grit to secure a 3-0 series sweep. The third T20I, held on a spinning track, was a testament to India’s resilience and Sri Lanka’s recurring struggles under pressure.
India’s Challenging Start and Middle Order Recovery
With the series already secured, India made four changes to their lineup for the final match after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. The team faced immediate setbacks, finding themselves at a precarious 30/4 during the powerplay.
The situation worsened as they were reduced to 48/5. However, Shubman Gill (39 off 37) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18) managed to steady the ship with a crucial fifty partnership. Later, Washington Sundar played a pivotal role, scoring 25 off 18 at number 8, pushing India to a competitive total of 137 on a spin-friendly pitch.
Sri Lanka’s Promising Start and Sudden Collapse
Sri Lanka began their chase cautiously, accumulating 35 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Their openers gradually increased the scoring rate, forging a fifty partnership. Even after Nissanka fell to Ravi Bishnoi, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis built another steady partnership. At one stage, Sri Lanka seemed poised for victory, needing just 30 runs off the last 30 balls with nine wickets in hand. But the Indian bowlers had other plans.
Bishnoi struck again, removing Mendis in the 16th over. Washington Sundar then delivered a game-changing over, claiming the crucial wickets of former skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and current captain Charith Asalanka. Despite Khaleel Ahmed’s erratic over that included several wides, leaving Sri Lanka needing just 9 runs off the last two overs, the match took another dramatic turn.
In a surprising move, Rinku Singh, who had never bowled in T20Is before, was given the 19th over. He conceded just three runs and picked up two vital wickets, leaving Sri Lanka needing six runs from the final over. Suryakumar Yadav, also bowling for the first time in T20Is, took the responsibility of the last over. Despite India being behind the over-rate and allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, SKY gave away just five runs and claimed two wickets, tying the game and sending it to a super over.
Super Over Drama Unfolds
Washington Sundar started the super over with a wide. However, he quickly recovered, dismissing Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka with successive deliveries caught at the boundary. Sri Lanka managed just two runs in their super over, setting a modest target of three for India.
With only three runs needed, Suryakumar Yadav swept Maheesh Theekshana’s first ball towards short fine leg. The ball slipped through Asitha Fernando’s legs and raced to the boundary, sealing a thrilling victory for India.
Most Defeats in T20Is: A Closer Look
Sri Lanka’s latest defeat marks a record-setting 105th loss in T20 Internationals, highlighting their ongoing struggles in the shortest format of the game. This dubious distinction puts them at the top of the list for most T20I defeats, surpassing Bangladesh, who have 104 losses. The West Indies and Zimbabwe follow with 101 and 99 defeats, respectively. Sri Lanka’s frequent collapses and inability to capitalize on promising positions have contributed to this record.
Most Defeats in T20Is:
Sri Lanka: 105*
Bangladesh: 104
West Indies: 101
Zimbabwe: 99
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