Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo
Colombo, Jun 16: India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with Sri Lanka A players following a dramatic Super Over defeat in the fourth match of the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka.
The closely fought contest between India A and Sri Lanka A ended in a tie after both teams scored 265 runs, with the hosts eventually clinching victory in the Super Over. However, post-match tensions overshadowed the thrilling finish.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage allegedly told the 15-year-old Indian batter, “Match over... now you go home...”, after the Super Over. The remark reportedly angered Sooryavanshi, leading to a heated exchange between the players.
The report stated that the confrontation briefly turned physical before match officials and other players intervened to defuse the situation.
While incidents involving ‘A’ teams do not usually attract the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the possibility of intervention has not been ruled out.
The report further claimed that discussions took place in the Sri Lanka A dressing room after the match, with some members suggesting that the team should apologise to the Indian side. Concerns were also raised over the decision to conduct the Super Over despite poor light conditions at the venue.
Before the Super Over began, India A captain Tilak Varma was seen in an animated discussion with match officials. The report said Tilak insisted on proceeding with the Super Over after Sri Lanka A levelled India’s total of 265.
The Sri Lankan side, however, reportedly preferred not to settle the match through a one-over eliminator.
It was also reported that the umpires agreed to continue with the Super Over on the condition that India A’s innings would be stopped if visibility deteriorated further. However, despite worsening light conditions, play was allowed to continue.
Following the match, a Sri Lanka Cricket official reportedly questioned the decision, saying, “There should never have been a Super Over in the first place.”
India A’s defeat was also influenced by a controversial penalty earlier in the game. On-field umpires Prageeth Rambukwella and Shantha Fonseka awarded Sri Lanka A 10 penalty runs after all-rounder Vipraj Nigam was deemed to have run on the protected area of the pitch twice despite prior warnings.
As a result, Sri Lanka A began their innings with 10 runs already added to their total. The penalty ultimately proved decisive, as the match ended level before Sri Lanka A secured victory in the Super Over.