Dambulla, June 15: India-A suffered a dramatic defeat to Sri Lanka-A in the one-day tri-series in Dambulla on Monday (June 15), losing in a Super Over
after the regulation match ended in a tie.
However, the thrilling finish was overshadowed by confusion over playing conditions, a controversial no-ball decision in the Super Over and a heated post-match exchange involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The contest at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium swung repeatedly before ending level at 265 apiece. Sri Lanka-A eventually held their nerve in the Super Over, posting 16 runs before restricting India-A to just nine, securing a crucial victory in a tightly contested tri-series.
Confusion Over Light Delays Super Over
The first controversy emerged immediately after the match ended in a tie. With fading light becoming a concern, there was uncertainty over whether a Super Over would be played at all.
Indian players initially appeared ready to leave the field while umpires discussed the conditions. India-A captain Tilak Varma was visibly unhappy during lengthy conversations with the officials and appeared to argue that the light was still good enough to continue.
After several minutes of deliberation, the umpires decided to proceed with the Super Over, setting the stage for another dramatic twist.
Sri Lanka-A Capitalise in Super Over
Sri Lanka-A batted first in the one-over eliminator against left-arm pacer Arshad Khan. Wanuja Sahan and Avishka Fernando started positively before Fernando launched a crucial six over long-on that proved decisive.
Another controversial moment followed on the final ball of the over. Arshad delivered a high full toss and Fernando was caught, prompting some Indian fielders to begin walking off the field. However, replays suggested the ball was above waist height, resulting in a no-ball call.
Sri Lanka-A received an extra delivery and managed a bye off the rebowled ball, taking their Super Over total to 16.
India-A's chase never gained momentum. Suryansh Shedge collected two runs from the opening delivery while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck a boundary during the over. But with 17 needed, the target proved too steep and Sri Lanka-A completed a memorable win.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at Centre of Post-Match Drama
The tension did not end with the final ball. Following the defeat, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was involved in a heated exchange with a Sri Lankan player. Television footage showed the young batter arguing with the opposition cricketer before appearing to push him.
Sri Lanka-A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella and several other players quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The incident is likely to attract attention given Vaibhav's growing profile in Indian cricket. Considered one of the country's brightest young prospects, the teenager has previously found himself involved in fiery moments during age-group cricket.
His frustration may have stemmed from another disappointing outing with the bat. Vaibhav made a brisk 21 off 14 balls, hitting two fours and a six, but failed to convert his start into a substantial score.
Vaibhav got into a heated argument with Sri Lankan players after the super over pic.twitter.com/wnGyEF6Nvw
- Abhi (@AbhiMSD_07) June 15, 2026
Shedge, Nigam Rescue India-A
India-A's innings was built on a spirited lower-order recovery after the top order struggled on a challenging surface.
Prabhsimran Singh scored 11 while captain Tilak Varma managed 23. Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu and Anukul Roy all failed to make significant contributions as India-A slipped into trouble.
Ruturaj Gaikwad once again provided stability with 37 runs before being trapped lbw by leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
The innings was revived by Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam. Shedge struck an impressive 72 from 66 deliveries, while Nigam contributed a valuable 51 off 49 balls. Their partnership helped India-A recover from a precarious position and post a competitive total of 265.
Viyaskanth was Sri Lanka-A's standout bowler with three wickets.
Samarawickrama Leads Sri Lanka-A Fightback
Sri Lanka-A's chase revolved around a magnificent innings from Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored 93 from 113 deliveries.
Avishka Fernando provided early momentum with 22, while Dickwella chipped in with 37. India-A continued to take wickets at regular intervals, but Samarawickrama's composed innings ensured the hosts remained within touching distance of the target.
The match appeared headed towards a Sri Lankan victory before another dramatic twist in the final over.
Needing five runs from five balls, Sri Lanka-A suffered a major setback when Arshad Khan dismissed Samarawickrama for 93. Two runs were required from the final delivery, but the ball deflected off Chamika Karunaratne's pads. The batters completed one run before a run-out attempt prevented the second, leaving both teams tied on 265.
