The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo turned into a thrilling spectacle, with emotions running high and tensions flaring on the field. The highlight of the match was an intense exchange between India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj and Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis, which culminated in a dramatic dismissal and a viral celebration with Virat Kohli.
SOURCE : ZEE
The incident occurred during the 39th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Siraj, known for his aggressive bowling and fiery temperament, was brought back into the attack. Facing Mendis, Siraj delivered three consecutive dot balls, each one tightening the screws on the Sri Lankan batsman. The third dot ball sparked an intense verbal exchange between the two players, with Siraj not holding back in expressing his frustration. The tension was thick in the air, and the R Premadasa Stadium buzzed with anticipation12.
Source:- BBC news
Mendis, visibly shaken but determined, managed to squeeze a single off the next ball, but Siraj’s focus remained unbroken. The pacer’s eyes were now set on the new batsman, Sadeera Samarawickrama, who had just walked to the crease. With renewed vigor, Siraj steamed in, delivering a sharp delivery that hit Samarawickrama’s boot. The Indian team erupted in a loud appeal, but the on-field umpire remained unconvinced23.
In a moment of tactical brilliance, India decided to go upstairs for a review. The DRS revealed that the ball had indeed struck the boot first, and the ball tracking technology showed it was heading straight for the leg stump. The decision was overturned, and the Sri Lankan batsman was sent packing. This was the breakthrough India needed, and Siraj, who had just minutes before been involved in a heated exchange, was now at the center of celebrations23.
Virat Kohli, who had been closely observing the proceedings, couldn’t contain his emotions. The former Indian captain rushed to Siraj, embracing him in a jubilant celebration that quickly went viral on social media. The video of the celebration, showing Kohli’s animated reaction and Siraj’s triumphant roar, has been widely shared, capturing the essence of the high-stakes encounter13.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Sri Lanka, after a strong start, found themselves in trouble as Indian bowlers clawed their way back into the game. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided a solid foundation, adding 89 runs off 119 balls. Nissanka scored 45 off 65 balls before being dismissed by Axar Patel. The Sri Lankan batters carried on the good start as Kusal Mendis and Avishka (96) stitched together an 82-run partnership for the second wicket3.
However, the Indian bowlers, led by Siraj, mounted a strong comeback. Sri Lanka went from 171/1 to 199/6, with debutant Riyan Parag leading the charge with three crucial wickets. At the time of writing, Sri Lanka were 207/6 after 45 overs, with Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis at the crease3.
The fiery exchange between Siraj and Mendis has added another chapter to the storied rivalry between India and Sri Lanka. Fans and cricket pundits alike have praised Siraj’s resilience and determination, highlighting his ability to channel his aggression into match-winning performances. The incident has also sparked discussions about the importance of mental toughness and composure in high-pressure situations23.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Siraj and the Indian team to see how they build on this momentum. The thrilling encounter has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series, with both teams vying for supremacy.
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