India secured a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling super over victory in the final match on Tuesday. Sri Lanka seemed to be in control of the run chase, but a strategic move by Suryakumar to introduce Rinku Singh as a bowler in the 19th over and bowling the final over himself turned the tide in India’s favor. Sri Lanka lost wickets quickly and could only manage to score 137/8 in 20 overs after being 110/1. In the super over, India dominated once again to clinch a comprehensive win. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Suryakumar’s captaincy and bowling decisions on social media.
“Surya is a disciple of Rohit Sharma. Using Rinku in the 19th over and bowling the 20th over himself, SKY won the game. What more do you need to be a great leader?” he tweeted.
Surya is a disciple of Rohit Sharma. Using Rinku in the 19th over and bowling the 20th over himself, SKY won the game. What more do you need to be a great leader?
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 30, 2024
Needing nine runs to win off 12 balls, India brought in Rinku Singh to bowl his off-spin for the first time in T20Is. Rinku conceded only three runs and took two crucial wickets in an exceptional 19th over. Captain Suryakumar then bowled the final over, defending five runs and taking two wickets to force the match into a Super Over, which India ultimately won for a 3-0 series victory.
Rinku shared, “I have a history of taking wickets in domestic cricket and even have one in ODIs. Surya had informed me to be prepared for bowling in the series. Although I hadn’t bowled leading up to this game, Surya encouraged me to keep practicing my bowling and do it during warm-ups.”
Washington Sundar, who excelled with both bat and ball in the match, commended Suryakumar’s innovative tactics. “Surya’s decision to bring in Rinku in the crucial 19th over was excellent. Rinku always poses a challenge for us in the nets, and he proved it in the game as well.”
“Surya’s presence in a critical situation, nearly winning the game for the team, was remarkable. I focused on my strategy against the batters,” he added.
Reflecting on his pivotal role in the Super Over, Sundar said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to win the game for my country. Not everyone gets such chances often.”
(With IANS inputs)
@Cricbun
