The third and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be remembered for a dramatic and chaotic incident that left fans and players in disbelief. The match, already a high-stakes encounter, saw a pivotal moment involving India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and Sri Lankan lower-order batter Maheesh Theekshana, which has since gone viral.
SOURCE : ZEE
The drama unfolded on the last ball of the 49th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s star spinner, delivered a sharp, spinning delivery that Theekshana failed to connect with. The ball spun past the bat and landed safely in Pant’s gloves. With Theekshana well out of his crease, it seemed like a straightforward stumping opportunity for Pant, who is known for his agility and quick reflexes behind the stumps12.
Source:- BBC news
However, in a surprising turn of events, Pant hesitated. Theekshana, realizing his mistake, scrambled to regain his ground. Pant took what felt like an eternity to remove the bails, and by the time he did, Theekshana had managed to get back into his crease. The Indian team, expecting an easy wicket, was left stunned as the third umpire, Paul Reiffel, was called upon to make the final judgment23.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as Reiffel reviewed the footage. After an extended review, the giant screen at the stadium initially flashed the word “OUT,” sending the Indian fans into a frenzy. However, the celebration was short-lived. Moments later, Reiffel corrected himself, ruling Theekshana “NOT OUT,” citing that the Sri Lankan batter had grounded his bat before lifting it in the air, a move still considered safe according to the rules23.
The confusion on the field was evident, and the moment highlighted the pressure and unpredictability that come with high-profile matches. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was visibly frustrated, and his reaction was caught on camera, adding to the drama. The incident has since sparked discussions about the role of technology in cricket and the importance of clear communication between on-field and third umpires3.
Before the controversy, Sri Lanka had laid a solid foundation for their innings. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Captain Charith Asalanka’s decision paid dividends early on. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided a strong start, adding 89 runs off 119 balls. Nissanka scored 45 off 65 balls before being dismissed by Axar Patel. Fernando continued his fine form, scoring a well-crafted 96 off 102 balls, anchoring the innings3.
Sri Lanka’s middle order, however, struggled to capitalize on the strong start. Kusal Mendis contributed a valuable 50, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Debutant Riyan Parag was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets and helping India claw their way back into the game3.
Despite the stumping controversy, Sri Lanka managed to post a competitive total of 248 runs. In response, India’s batting lineup faced a stern challenge from the Sri Lankan bowlers. The Indian openers got off to a shaky start, and the middle order struggled to build partnerships. The Sri Lankan spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, applied relentless pressure, making it difficult for the Indian batsmen to score freely3.
As the match progressed, the tension continued to build. The stumping incident remained a talking point, with fans and cricket pundits alike debating the third umpire’s decision and Pant’s costly miss. The viral video of the incident has garnered millions of views, with many expressing their opinions on social media123.
The match ultimately ended in a thrilling finish, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious by a narrow margin. The win marked a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket, as they secured their first bilateral ODI series win against India in 27 years3.
The incident involving Pant and Theekshana has added another chapter to the storied rivalry between India and Sri Lanka. It has also highlighted the importance of mental toughness and composure in high-pressure situations. As the cricketing world continues to discuss the controversial moment, one thing is clear: the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be remembered for its drama, excitement, and the unforgettable stumping miss that went viral.
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