Watch: Rinku Singh's bowling brings a smile to Gautam Gambhir

India coach Gautam Gambhir was all smiles as Rinku Singh emerged as the game-changer in India's thrilling 3rd T20I win over Sri Lanka in Pallekelle on Tuesday, July 30. Rinku's impressive performance with the ball helped India secure a dramatic victory in a match that went down to the wire.

Rinku Singh's heroics in the penultimate over

With Sri Lanka needing 9 runs from 12 balls to chase down India's total of 138, Rinku Singh was handed the ball in the crucial 19th over. The decision to give Rinku, who bowls gentle off-spin, the responsibility was a bold call by the Indian team. Facing him was Kusal Perera, who was set on 46 and poised to lead Sri Lanka to victory.

Video: https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/1818350320264646975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1818350320264646975%7Ctwgr%5E0d97be22671458e9cb2fe846d5a0fc46b6f20395%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatoday.in%2Fsports%2Fcricket%2Fstory%2Fsri-lanka-vs-india-3rd-t20i-rinku-singh-bowling-gautam-gambhir-smiles-pallekelle-2574194-2024-07-31

Rinku rose to the occasion, delivering a darted first ball straight at Perera, followed by a delivery that led to Perera skying the ball in the air. Rinku calmly completed the catch, turning the game's tide and bringing a big smile to coach Gambhir's face. Rinku further added to his success by dismissing Ramesh Mendis, finishing the over with two vital wickets.

India seal victory in Super Over thriller

Following Rinku's impactful over, captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped up to bowl the final over, taking two more wickets and pushing Sri Lanka into a precarious position. Despite the hosts managing to force the game into a super over, India remained unfazed.

Sri Lanka batted first in the super over, with Washington Sundar delivering an exceptional performance by conceding just 2 runs and claiming 2 wickets. With victory in sight, Suryakumar sealed the win and the series for India by hitting a boundary off the first ball of India's super over.

See Also: https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/charith-asalanka-to-lead-sri-lankas-16man-squad-for-the-3match-odi-series-against-india/

With the T20I series wrapped up, attention now shifts to the ODIs, with the first match between India and Sri Lanka scheduled for August 2.