SL vs IND 2024: Suryakumar Yadav has a big heart when it comes to leadership, says Washington Sundar after thrilling win in 3rd T20I

India’s off-spinner Washington Sundar showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav after their Super Over win in the third T20I against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Tuesday. With this win, India clean-swept the series by 3-0.

India posted 137-9 on a difficult pitch after they were sent into bat by Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. The hosts were in a shoo-in position at 108-1 after 15 overs, requiring a run-a-ball 30 to win the game.

But the home team once again veered off the track as their middle order collapsed like a pack of cards. Asalanka-led team lost the next seven wickets for only 27 runs. In fact, nine runs were needed off the last two overs with six wickets in hand.

But Sri Lankan batters could not deliver against part-time spinners like Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, who bowled for the first time in T20Is but conceded only five runs in the final over. 

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar returned with impressive figures of 2-23 in his quota of four overs, accounting for Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka on consecutive balls.

In the Super Over, Sundar conceded only two runs and dismissed Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka while Yadav smashed a boundary on the first ball he faced to take India over the line.

“Honestly, his leadership skills were amazing. With nine needed off 12 to win, for him to bring Rinku in, with Kusal Perera batting and then for Rinku to get him out. It is amazing. Then Surya himself came in the last over and almost won the game. We all know he has a big heart when he goes out to bat. But he also has [proven that] he has a big heart when it comes to leadership skills,” said Washington during the post-match press conference. 

“Surya kept telling us one or two wickets would change the game. In these kinds of low-scoring games, even a run-a-ball situation puts pressure on the batsman, especially when there is something on the pitch for the bowler. So, Surya kept telling that and that is exactly what happened. I hope the audience enjoyed the game because we won’t see such games every now and then,” added Washington.  

India and Sri Lanka will take on each other in a three-match ODI series.