Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an on-field spat with SL A. (PC- X/micchamasala)
India A's dramatic Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka A in the ongoing Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla has sparked fresh controversy, with reports suggesting that match officials did not stick to an earlier understanding regarding poor light conditions.
The game between IND-A vs SL-A ended in a tie, forcing a Super Over. Sri Lanka A held their nerve in the decider, while India A failed to chase the target.
Umpires Allegedly Changed Their Position On Bad Light
According to a Cricbuzz report, the India A camp was left unhappy after the umpires allowed play to continue despite worsening visibility.
Earlier in the evening, the officials had reportedly expressed concerns about the fading light and even needed convincing from Tilak Varma and the Indian players to proceed with a Super Over.
The on-field umpires initially appeared reluctant to continue because of the conditions. However, after discussions with players and team management, the Super Over was eventually approved.
Also Read: Watch- Wild Scenes In IND-A vs SL-A! Ball Hits Helmet, India Awarded 5 Penalty Runs
The controversy emerged when the light deteriorated further during the decider. According to the report, it was understood that if visibility worsened significantly, India's innings in the Super Over could be halted.
Television visuals showed conditions becoming increasingly difficult, but the officials chose not to stop play.
Interestingly, even a Sri Lanka Cricket official reportedly admitted that the Super Over should not have taken place under such circumstances, saying that play should have been called off before the decider began.
Even a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official also agreed that the play shouldn't have been allowed to go in. “There should never have been a Super Over in the first place,” he told Cricbuzz.
How Tensions Escalated In IND-A vs SL-A?
It is important to note that drama in the IND-A vs SL-A began before the Super Over. India questioned whether Sri Lanka A's tying run off the final ball of the regulation innings should have been allowed.
The Indian players argued that batter Chamika Gunasekara had not offered a shot and that the ball had merely brushed his pad before the run was taken. This led to lengthy discussions between Tilak Varma, his teammates, and the umpires.
Confusion then followed regarding whether a Super Over would be conducted at all because of the fading light.
Once the decider started, another controversial moment emerged when India disagreed with a wide call awarded to Sri Lanka, believing the batter’s movement should have been taken into account.
The tension increased further on the final ball of Sri Lanka's Super Over. Avishka Fernando appeared to be dismissed, prompting celebrations from the Indian players. However, the decision was later overturned after the delivery was ruled a no-ball.
Players who had already begun walking off the field had to return as the extra ball was bowled. Sri Lanka eventually finished with 16 runs in the Super Over, leaving India with a target of 17.
What Happened In IND-A vs SL-A?
Earlier in the day, India A posted 265 after being bowled out in 49.2 overs. Suryansh Shedge made 72 runs off 66 balls, while Vipraj Nigam contributed 51.
Sri Lanka A's chase began with an unusual advantage. India conceded 10 penalty runs after Vipraj Nigam was found guilty of running on the protected area of the pitch twice, meaning Sri Lanka started with 10 runs before a ball was bowled.
Despite that setback, India A's bowlers fought back strongly and managed to tie the contest at 265/9 after 50 overs.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Gets No-Nonsense Message In Sri Lanka After Dambulla Fight
