Pallekele :
Star India batter Rinku Singh clinched the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award after the Men in Blue secured a 3-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the T20I series. The new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, began his tenure with a commanding series win over Sri Lanka, with Team India emerging victorious in the final game on Tuesday. The official Twitter handle of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the medal ceremony that takes place in the dressing room after every game.
In the third T20I match of the series, Rinku Singh showcased exceptional fielding skills, contributing significantly to India’s dominance over Sri Lanka.
India’s head coach, T Dilip, presented the contenders for the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award, including Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. However, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate awarded the 26-year-old Rinku Singh with the ‘Fielder of the Series’ medal.
T20I series win
Any guesses on winner of the fielding medal? ????
Find out ???????? #TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/1gzqQcpmuU
– BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024
Recapping the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl against India.
It was a collective effort from the Men in Blue in the first innings, with all the batters contributing to set a target. Shubman Gill (39 runs from 37 balls, 3 fours) emerged as the highest run-scorer among his teammates. Riyan Parag (26 runs from 18 balls, 1 four and 2 sixes) and Washington Sundar (25 runs from 18 balls, 2 fours and 1 six) played vital roles in the death overs, guiding India to 137/9 at the end of 20 overs.
Maheesh Theekshana led the Sri Lankan bowling attack, taking three wickets for 28 runs in his four-over spell. Wanindu Hasaranga also claimed two wickets, conceding 29 runs.
During the run chase, Kusal Perera (46 runs from 34 balls, 5 fours) and Kusal Mendis (43 runs from 41 balls, 3 fours) were the standout performers for Sri Lanka in the final T20I, propelling them to 137/8 and forcing the match into a super over. Opener Pathum Nissanka (26 runs from 27 balls, 5 fours) also played a supporting role in the batting lineup.
The highlight of the match was Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav picking up two wickets each. Suryakumar Yadav defended six runs in the final over, pushing the match into the super over. Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar also took two wickets each in their respective spells.
In the super over, Sri Lanka could only manage 2/2 after batting first. In the chase, Suryakumar Yadav sealed the victory with the first ball, hitting a sweep for a four towards short fine leg.
Washington Sundar was named the Player of the Match, while Suryakumar Yadav received the Player of the Series award.
@Cricbun
