A heated confrontation between India A and Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had a bitter aftertaste on Monday with post match tensions following an explosive Super Over finish.
Sri Lanka A won the match though by defending a rather tough 17-run target in the Super Over, but the jubilation of that result was soon marred however by an on-field controversy concerning Indian U-19 star batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lankan bowler Vishen Halambage.
It is reported that a verbal exchange occurred immediately after the match and this triggered the furious reaction of both players. The spat developed into a minor shoving match before teammates and support staff intervened to separate the duo and defuse what could have become more serious.
It had been a titanic contest in the match itself. Batting first, Zimbabwe compiled 180/5 in their coverted fifty overs before Nepal answered by matching that total.Having concluded normal play tied, the teams then entered a Super Over at the venue which was losing light. Kugathas Mathulan, a promising SL A pacer took on the responsibility of leading his team to an impossible task to defend them after he played cat-and-mouse with India A openers. Although elation erupted from the home side following their win, these celebrations were short-lived as a post-match incident followed.
Although tempers flared during the incident, players from both sides went through the usual handshake line afterward and were able to calm down after that. But the incident cast doubt on player behaviour and sportsmanship, especially in a game involving future stars of international cricket.
Due to the nature of A-team series not coming within the ICC’s disciplinary framework, it is improbable any formal sanction will arise from the incident. The match officials for such contests are also often the responsibility of the cricket boards involved, not world football’s governing body.
Following the match, it is believed that conversations took place in the Sri Lanka A dressing room, with certain members even reportedly recommending an apology be sent to the Indian team. Whether that overture will be followed, is anybody’s guess.
It was a memorable win for Sri Lanka A but the controversy after the match and doubts over whether a Super Over should have taken place in near-darkness have since overshadowed what had otherwise been an exciting, tightly contested affair.
