Kugathas mathulan

Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium: Kugathas Mathulan held his nerve to defend 16 runs as Sri Lanka A edged India A in a nail‑biting Super Over thriller in the 50-over tri-series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Despite fighting half‑centuries from Vipraj Nigam and Suryansh Shedge taking India A to 265 in 49.2 overs, the visitors fell short as the hosts equalled the total in their 50 overs and then sealed a victory in dramatic fashion in the Super Over. While Sri Lanka A made 16 runs in their Super Over, Mathulan kept his cool to keep India A to nine runs and get a win by seven runs.

But the contest was marred by heated exchanges and disputes with on-field umpires in deteriorating light. The drama began in the closing stages when India ‘A’ protested a decision on the final delivery, with skipper Tilak Varma relentlessly pleading his case to the umpires, who were also looking at the light meter.