Sooryavanshi, Halambage involved in heated exchange after Sri Lanka A beat India A
Dambulla, June 15
Tensions flared at the end of a dramatic contest in Dambulla on Monday as India's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka's Vishen Halambage became involved in a heated on-field exchange that reportedly included physical contact after Sri Lanka A edged India A in a Super Over in the one-day tri-series.
With emotions running high in the fading light, Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella stepped in to separate the players and defuse the situation, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The match had finished tied after 50 overs, forcing a Super Over to determine the winner. Sri Lanka A posted 16 runs in the tie-breaker, putting India A under pressure.
In reply, India A managed only nine runs as debutant pacer Kugathas Mathulan, whose slingy action has drawn comparisons with Matheesha Pathirana, produced a composed performance to deny Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge and seal victory for the hosts.
Earlier, India A staged a remarkable recovery to force their way back into the contest. With the team reeling at 143 for 7, Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam produced a magnificent 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket, lifting India A to a competitive total of 265 and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
In reply, Sri Lanka A were guided by a composed 93 from Sadeera Samarawickrama, whose innings ensured the hosts remained in control of the chase for the most part. However, India A mounted a late comeback through Arshad Khan, who delivered an outstanding final over to drag the contest into a thrilling finish and leave Sri Lanka within touching distance of defeat.
What followed was a chaotic conclusion, with tempers flaring and tensions spilling over on the field. Ultimately, though, Sri Lanka A emerged with the two points after prevailing in the Super Over, a result that leaves them all but assured of a place in the final.
This is India A's second loss in three games, following a previous rain-curtailed match against Afghanistan, which they lost by four runs via the DLS method.
The team, led by Tilak Varma, had started their campaign with a win over the same Sri Lanka A side in another low-scoring thriller.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a match! Shedge and Nigam's partnership was brilliant under pressure. 143/7 to 265? That's proper fight. Sad we lost in Super Over but this team has character. Just hope the heated exchange doesn't lead to ICC fines. These things happen in competitive cricket!
As someone who follows South Asian cricket closely, this rivalry is always spicy! India A still has time to bounce back. Tilak Varma needs to keep the dressing room calm. Physical contact on field isn't good for the game, but the intensity shows how much these matches matter.
Arshad Khan's final over was pure gold! To drag it into Super Over after the top order failed... that's what Indian cricket is about. But losing two matches now? We need to win the next game against Afghanistan to stay alive. Hope the boys learn from this and keep their cool.
That Super Over performance from Mathulan was incredible for a debutant! Slingy action like Pathirana - Sri Lanka's bowling future looks bright. India A has fight but they need to close out games. Still, what a contest! Dambulla produced a thriller.
Honestly, I'm disappointed with Sooryavanshi's behavior. Yes, emotions run high, but representing India A carries responsibility. He's young and talented but needs to grow up. That said, brilliant fighting spirit from the team - Shedge and Arshad showed real character. Onwards and upwards!
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