A rain-soaked evening, two unlikely heroes, and a Super Over nobody saw coming
It was one of those nights when cricket flirted with absurdity. July 30,
2024, Pallekele — a contest between India and Sri Lanka that had promised nothing more than a dead rubber, suddenly transformed into one of the most extraordinary spectacles in recent T20I history.
As India and Sri Lanka prepare for their Asia Cup Super-Four clash on September 26 in Dubai, it is worth revisiting that bizarre finish when the two sides last collided — a game decided not by Jasprit Bumrah or Wanindu Hasaranga, but by Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav with the ball in hand.
Collapse out of nowhere
The scoreboard showed Sri Lanka 128 for 3, chasing a modest 138, with Kusal Perera in full flow and 7 wickets still in hand. Just 9 runs were needed from 2 overs. It should have been an easy win.
Credit: ESPN
And then, chaos ensued. Rinku Singh, bowling his first-ever over in international T20s, conceded just 3 runs and took 2 wickets. Suddenly, the home side needed 6 runs off the final over. Surely Mohammed Siraj would finish it? Except that Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain and part-time spinner, threw the ball to himself, with over-rate penalties restricting field positions. Against all odds, SKY only conceded 5 runs, took 2 wickets, and the match ended in a tie.
Credit: India TV News
Sri Lanka had collapsed, losing seven wickets for 22 runs in a collapse that resembled Greek tragedy.
The Super Over spectacle
If the 40 overs weren’t exciting enough, the Super Over turned into quite the spectacle. Washington Sundar started with a wide, and then Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka eagerly went for catches at the boundary. Sri Lanka managed only 2 runs.
India needed three. SKY, already in the thick of the action, swept Maheesh Theekshana’s first ball to short fine leg. After a tricky moment, the ball rolled for four, and India celebrated a 3-0 clean sweep. It was more of a surprising, unbelievable victory than a straightforward win.
The forgotten contributions
Despite the confusing finish, there were some standout moments worth noting. Shubman Gill’s steady 39 anchored India’s total of 137 for 9, with Riyan Parag’s resilient 26 offering solid support. Washington’s exciting 25 off 18 balls brought vital runs, making the total more respectable.
Credit: ESPN
On the other hand, Kusal Perera’s energetic 46 off 34 and Kusal Mendis’ smooth 43 seemed to set a strong foundation. However, their middle order, which had been fragile in the series, struggled again under pressure. Theekshana and Hasaranga had earlier troubled India with a combined 5/57, but unfortunately, their teammates couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Final Thought
As India prepares to face Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, the memory of Pallekele looms large. It serves as a reminder that contests between these two nations rarely unfold as planned. Sri Lanka, eager for resurgence, will remember the match as one they let slip away. India, the defending champions, will see it as evidence of their depth, versatility, and a certain boldness under pressure.
