Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma, Dambulla Super Over controversy and drama: How it unfolded

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Varma (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: The India A-Sri Lanka Tri-Nation A Series clash in Dambulla had it all – a thrilling chase, a controversial finish, heated arguments with the umpires, a Super Over and an angry exchange between teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.What started as a routine match in the group stage turned into one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. With the light fading, contested decisions and emotions running high, the players, umpires and team officials were involved in some tense moments before Sri Lanka A eventually prevailed.At the center of the drama was 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who first joined discussions with the umpires, then tried to pull captain Tilak Varma away from the fray and later engaged in a heated exchange with the Sri Lankan players after India’s defeat.

India A vs Sri Lanka Super Over drama in Dambulla: How it unfolded

India And recover from problems

Batting first, India A got off to another blistering start through Sooryavanshi who blasted 21 off 14 balls with boundaries of six and two before being dismissed.Tilak Varma (23) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (32) added 52 runs for the third wicket but the Sri Lanka A spinners triggered the collapse. India A slipped from 91/2 to 143/7 before Suryansh Shedge (72 off 66) and Vipraj Nigam (51 off 49) salvaged the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket.India A were eventually bowled out for 265 in 49.2 overs.

Samarawickrama brings Sri Lanka closer

Sri Lanka A looked set for victory thanks to Sadeera Samarawickrama’s brilliant score of 93. The hosts needed just five runs from the final with wickets in hand.But Arshad Khan produced a brilliant performance full of yorkers, conceding just four runs and forcing the match into a dramatic finale.

The controversy begins

On the last ball of the inning, Chamika Gunasekara was hit on the pad and completed the run before being run out to try for second.The run tied the score, but Tilak Varma immediately questioned whether the run should have counted. India A argued that Gunasekara had not offered a blow and therefore should not have been awarded a bye.A lengthy discussion ensued involving umpires, players and team officials as the fading light added another layer of uncertainty.

Tilak argues, Sooryavanshi intervenes

As Tilak continued to discuss with the umpires near the boundary ropes, Sooryavanshi also entered the conversation.In a video that later went viral on social media, the teenager was seen joining the debate before India A head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar pulled him away from the officials.Moments later, Sooryavanshi appeared to urge Tilak to move away from the umpires as the India A captain continued to press his case.After several minutes of deliberation, the umpires decided that the match was tied and would be decided via a Super Over.

More drama in Super Over

Due to the unavailability of floodlights for the tournament and reduced visibility, concerns remained as to whether there was enough light to complete the competition.Sri Lanka A batted first in the Super Over and scored 16 runs from Arshad Khan. India A were unhappy that he did not get the ball during the over, leading to further discussions with the officials.The no-ball proved particularly costly as it allowed Sri Lanka A to take their total to 16.

Sooryavanshi’s challenge fails

Looking to win by 17, India A sent out Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge.However, Sri Lankan pacer Kugathas Mathulan brilliantly kept his cool under pressure. The fast bowler limited the pair over the course and conceded just nine runs.Sooryavanshi faced the last three deliveries but couldn’t find the big hits that India desperately needed as Sri Lanka A cruised to a memorable victory.

After the finish line, tempers flare

The drama did not end with the final ball.As Sri Lanka A celebrated wildly, Sooryavanshi looked visibly frustrated. Television cameras showed the teenager exchanging words with the Sri Lankan players before briefly pushing one of them.Players from both sides were quick to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating further, with senior Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella among those who helped calm the mood.It was India A’s second defeat of the tournament.