India win third T20I through Super-Over finish, clinch series 3-0 against Sri Lanka

India win third T20I through Super-Over finish, clinch series 3-0 against Sri Lanka (PTI Photo)

India defeated Sri Lanka in a Super Over during the third and final T20I at Pallekele on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

Kusal Perera (46 off 34 balls) and Kusal Mendis (43 off 41 balls) led Sri Lanka's chase of 138, but their innings faltered once again towards the end. Sri Lanka finished at 137 for 8 after the allotted 20 overs, sending the match into the Super Over.

In the Super Over, India required just three runs to win. Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh, and captain Suryakumar Yadav each took two wickets during Sri Lanka's innings.

Earlier, Sri Lankan bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict India to a modest 137 for 9. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana were particularly effective, sharing five wickets between them. Only Shubman Gill, with 39 runs, and Riyan Parag, who added 26, offered significant resistance.

Earlier in the first innings, Maheesh Theekshana completed the final over as Sri Lanka restricted India to 137 for nine after choosing to bowl first. In Theekshana’s last over, India lost two wickets (including one run out) and managed to score only nine runs.

Following a rain delay of an hour that pushed back the start, the hosts' decision to bowl first proved to be an excellent choice. India struggled from the outset, losing four wickets during the powerplay and failing to recover from the early setbacks.

Shubman Gill (39) and Riyan Parag (26) added a 54-run partnership, but aside from this, the batting performance was lackluster. Washington Sundar contributed 25 runs, taking India just past 130 before being dismissed in the final over.

For Sri Lanka, Theekshana took three wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga claimed two. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, and Ramesh Mendis each took one wicket.