NEW DELHI: India A’s thrilling tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had everything — a tied match, a Super Over, controversy, and an ugly post-match altercation involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A sealed victory, one question continued to dominate discussions: why was a Super Over conducted despite rapidly deteriorating light?The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
Tilak Varma pushed for Super Over despite fading light
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.As players assembled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Officials warned play could be stopped
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.“Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can’t even see the ball),” one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.India A ultimately managed only nine runs in the Super Over and slipped to their second successive defeat.The frustration boiled over after the match when Sooryavanshi became involved in a heated exchange with Sri Lanka A players, including Vishen Halambage, bringing an ugly end to the contest.Meanwhile, questions surrounding the decision to continue the match under such poor visibility are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.India A now head into a must-win encounter against Afghanistan A, needing victory and a healthy boost to their net run rate while relying on other results to keep their hopes alive.
