The all-rounder Washington Sundar has hailed India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for leading the side to a stunning win against Sri Lanka in the third T20I in a super over on Tuesday.
Sundar calculated that Suryakumar Yadav‘s leadership and strategy had helped the side win the final T20I against Sri Lanka. His unconventional bowling choices played a crucial role in securing a remarkable win for India in a low-score encounter.
Sri Lanka was set to secure an easy win as they needed only 12 runs in the final two overs with six wickets in hand. But Suryakumar put a stop to the host batters, bringing in Rinku Singh in the Penultimate over who delivered exceptional figures in the over. Suryakumar Yadav bowled the final over picked two wickets and helped the side to conclude in a draw.
A fine bowling display including a crucial super over!
Washington Sundar becomes the Player of the Match 🙌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/UYBWDRh1op#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @Sundarwashi5 pic.twitter.com/izY1POE2Di
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 30, 2024
India quickly wrapped up the match as Sri Lanka lost two wickets in four balls and Suryakumar hit a boundary in the first ball to clinch series victory.
While speaking in the media after the match, Sundar praised SKY’s leadership saying, “It’s amazing of him, amazing of his leadership skills, to be honest. With 12 balls to go and 12 runs needed, he brought in Rinku, especially with Kusal Perera batting, and Rinku got him out. Surya then came in for the last over and won the game for us. We all know he has a big heart when he bats, but he also shows it in his leadership. All credit goes to him; it was amazing.”
Sundar also shared that Suryakumar Yadav consistently emphasized the importance of taking wickets during the middle over to put pressure on Sri Lanka.
“Surya kept telling us that one or two wickets in the middle overs would change the game, especially in low-scoring matches where even run-a-ball situations can create pressure. I hope the audience enjoyed the game because you don’t often see such matches. It feels great to be a part of this kind of game.”
SKY scored 25 runs and picked two wickets helping the side to fight for the victory in the Super over.
“Honestly, I had no idea I would bowl, but after the batsmen walked out, Surya turned to me and said, ‘Washy, you’re on.’ I was very happy; it was a great opportunity to step up and win the game for my country. Thank God things went well,” he concluded.
After a 3-0 victory in the T20I series, India will be gearing up for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka starts on August 02 at R. Premadasa Stadium.
