India successfully defended a target of 138 in a low-scoring game, thanks to Yadav’s innovative bowling changes in the closing moments. With Sri Lanka needing nine runs from the last two overs and six wickets in hand, Yadav’s decision-making proved pivotal.
Suryakumar brought Rinku Singh into the attack for the penultimate over, despite Singh never having bowled in T20Is before.Singh performed under pressure, taking two crucial wickets and conceding only three runs. Yadav then took the ball himself for the final over and successfully defended six runs, taking the game to a Super Over. In the Super Over, Sri Lanka lost two wickets in just four balls, enabling India to chase down the modest target of three runs with Suryakumar hitting a boundary off the first ball to secure a series clean sweep.
“Honestly, it’s amazing of him, amazing of his leadership skills to be honest because (with) 12 balls (left and) 12 (runs) to win and for him to bring Rinku (on), especially when Kusal Perera is batting, and Rinku got him out and Surya (then) himself came in the last over and won the game for us,” Washington Sundar was quoted as saying by PTI in a post-match interview. “We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat but also he has a big heart in terms of leadership as well. All the credits to him and (it was) amazing of him.”
Sundar, who contributed with both bat and ball, emphasized that Suryakumar’s insistence on taking wickets in the middle overs was crucial to maintaining pressure on Sri Lanka.
“Surya kept telling us that one or two wickets in between game would definitely change and obviously in these kinds of games, low scoring games, even run-a-ball would put a lot of pressure on the batsmen because they need to get the job done especially when the wicket has something for the bowler,” he explained.
“He kept saying that (with) one or two wickets in the middle, especially in the middle overs between 11 to 15, (we) will definitely be in the game and exactly that’s what happened. I hope the audience enjoyed the game because you won’t see such games every now and then but to be a part of this kind of a game and to be a part of this game honestly feels great,” Sundar added.
Sundar also shared his surprise and satisfaction at being asked to bowl the Super Over. “Honestly I had no idea that I was going to bowl but after the batsmen walked out to bat, Surya just turned behind (to look) and he said ‘Washy you are on,’” Sundar recalled. “I was very happy to be honest when the captain wants you to bowl in tough situations, especially in Super Over, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win the game for my country and thank God things went well,” he added.
This series win not only highlighted the impressive capabilities of India’s players but also set a positive tone for Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach.