Sri Lanka embarrass themselves again as India win T20I series 3-0 with 'easy' Super Over win in Pallekele

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Sri Lanka were in need of just 30 runs off the last 30 balls with nine wickets in hand to earn a consolation win against India in Pallekele, but the hosts embarrassed themselves once again by somehow managing to score 29 runs and losing eight wickets in the process.

The Super Over encounter after the scores were levelled turned out to be even more embarrassing. Sri Lanka lasted three balls from Washington Sundar, before losing the permitted two wickets for two runs only. Moments later, Suryakumar Yadav swept the first ball from Maheesha Theekshana towards fine leg where a misfield felicitated a boundary and a 3-0 series win for India.

Just like the first two games, Sri Lanka batting collapsed from a very strong position in the dead rubber third T20I as well. In the series-opener, Sri Lanka were 140/1 in 14 overs while chasing 214. However, they ended up getting bundled out for 170 in 19.2 overs. In the following game, Sri Lanka slipped to 161/9 after going strong at 130/2 in 15 overs.

Sri Lanka batters freeze against India spinners

Sri Lanka were red hot favourites to beat India for 90 percent of the match, but the T20 world champions scripted a magical come-from-behind win in the last five overs.

It all started with the wicket of Kusal Mendis (43 off 41) on the second ball of the 16th over. Mendis was trapped in front of the stumps by Ravi Bishnoi. Wanindu Hasaranga (3) and Charith Asalanka (0) were removed by Washington Sundar (2/23 in 4 overs).

Part-time spinners Rinku Sisngh and Suryakumar Yadav steal the show in 19th and 20th over

Part-time spinner Rinku Singh was brought into the attack in the 19th over, and he ended up picking the wickets of dangerous Kusal Perera (46 off 34) and Ramesh Mendis (3). With spells of Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi (2/38) and Riyan Parag (0/27) over, newly-appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav deployed himself to bowl the final over.

Six runs were needed off the last six balls when the off-spinner bowled a dot, and followed it with two back-to-back wickets. Sri Lanka debutant, Chamindu Wickramasinghe ran two doubles on the final two deliveries to take the match to the Super Over.

Earlier in the match, India suffered a batting collapse after being asked to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in the second over for 10 off nine balls, while Sanju Samson registered his second consecutive duck in the series. Suryakumar Yadav could score only eight off nine, while Dube departed after scoring 13 off 14 to leave India reeling at 48/5 in 8.4 overs.

It was then that Shubman Gill (39 off 27) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18) forged a 54-run partnership off 40 balls to take India past hundred. Later, a 32-run partnership off 34 balls between Washington Sundar (25 off 18) and Ravi Bishnoi (8*) helped India finish at 137/9. Sri Lanka spinner Maheesha Theekshana registered figures of 3/28 in four overs.