A gripping contest between India-A and Sri Lanka-A ended in dramatic fashion at the Rangiri International Stadium on Monday, with the hosts securing victory in a tense Super Over after a match filled with momentum swings, controversy and frayed tempers.

For India-A, the defeat was particularly difficult to digest. Having recovered from a precarious position to post a competitive 265, the visitors appeared to have the match under control on multiple occasions before Sri Lanka-A staged a determined fightback led by Sadeera Samarawickrama’s outstanding 93.

Samarawickrama’s innings proved crucial in keeping the chase alive. After receiving a reprieve earlier in his knock, the batter battled cramps and continued to anchor the innings deep into the closing stages. His resilience ensured Sri Lanka-A remained in contention until the very end, eventually finishing level with India-A’s total of 265 and forcing the match into a Super Over.

However, the contest was not without controversy.

Late in Sri Lanka-A’s chase, India-A players strongly appealed against Chamika Gunasekara, believing he had failed to offer a shot at a delivery during a crucial moment. The appeal was rejected by the umpires, a decision that prompted animated discussions from the Indian side and added to the growing tension on the field.

As the game moved into the Super Over, deteriorating light conditions became another major talking point. India-A captain Tilak Varma was involved in lengthy discussions with the match officials, repeatedly urging them to proceed quickly as visibility worsened. According to sources, the Indian camp had been informed that play could be halted if umpires considered the light unsuitable. Despite concerns over visibility, the match continued.

India-A’s approach in the Super Over also raised questions. Chasing 17 runs from six deliveries, the decision not to have explosive youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi face the opening ball surprised many observers. Instead, Suryansh Shedge took strike, and with conditions becoming increasingly difficult, India-A managed only nine runs, falling short of the target.

Emotions boiled over after the match, with Sooryavanshi reportedly involved in a heated exchange with Vishen Halambage and several Sri Lankan players, bringing an unfortunate end to an intensely fought encounter.

Earlier, India-A had looked destined for a modest total after slumping to 143 for seven. The innings was revived by a remarkable 104-run eighth-wicket partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam. Shedge scored a maiden List A fifty with 72 from 66 balls, while Nigam contributed 51 from 49 deliveries, also his first List A half-century.

Their efforts lifted India-A to 265, but on a day filled with drama and controversy, it ultimately was not enough to secure victory.