Sri Lanka A Captain Rules Out Targeting Sooryavanshi Despite Super Over Spat

Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige has dismissed suggestions that his team will target young India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the tri-series final on Sunday, insisting that the squad has moved on from the heated exchange that took place during the teams' previous meeting. Sri Lanka A secured its place in the summit clash after defeating Afghanistan A by 103 runs and will now face India A for the title.

The previous encounter between the two sides ended dramatically with a Super Over, during which Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to guide India A to victory while chasing 14 runs from the final three deliveries. Emotions boiled over after the match as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became involved in a heated altercation with Sri Lanka A players, with the incident culminating in the young batter pushing Vishen Halambage.

Addressing the controversy ahead of the final, Sahan Arachchige said his players are focused solely on enjoying their cricket and are not looking to single out any opposition player. "The boys are not targeting anyone or anything. We are just enjoying ourselves. In a close game like a Super Over, emotions come out. That's normal," Sahan Arachchige told Sportstar.

Also Read: India A Crush Afghanistan A By 101 Runs, Seal Final Spot In Tri-Nation Series

The Sri Lanka A skipper also expressed confidence in his team's overall balance heading into the title clash. Sahan Arachchige said there were no concerns regarding the batting unit and praised both the fast bowlers and spinners for their consistent performances throughout the tournament, adding that the side is in a strong position to compete for the trophy.

Meanwhile, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing him as a rare talent capable of attracting audiences and reviving interest in longer formats of the game. Krishnamachari Srikkanth said the youngster possesses an appetite to score runs and dominate attacks while also having the temperament to succeed in one-day and Test cricket if allowed to develop naturally.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth further remarked that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already created a special aura around himself, saying fans switch on their televisions specifically to watch the teenager bat. As India A and Sri Lanka A prepare for the tri-series final, the spotlight will once again be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with cricket fans eager to see whether the young batter can respond on the field after the dramatic events of the previous encounter.

Also Read: Tilak Varma's India A Seeks Redemption Against Afghanistan A in Knockout Match