Watch: Gautam Gambhir's million-dollar reaction after Rinku Singh dismisses Kusal Perera to bag maiden T20I wicket
Published - 31 Jul 2024, 12:05 AM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 06:44 AM
Gautam Gambhir had a brilliant reaction to Rinku Singh dismissing Kusal Perera in the recently concluded third T20I between India and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Rinku Singh to bowl the 19th over when the game looked pretty much out of India's reach as Sri Lanka needed only 9 runs from the 12 balls. With a well-set Perera at the crease, the win looked like a mere formality for the hosts.
However, Rinku Singh turned the game on its head by delivering a brilliant 19th over. Bowling in T20Is for the very first time in his career, Rinku not only bowled an economical over but also picked up two wickets including that of Perera who was batting on 46.
On the third ball of the over, Perera ended up miscuing his pull shot and Rinku took the catch off his own bowling to pick up his first T20I wicket. And as soon as he completed the catch, the cameras turned towards the Indian dugout where head coach Gautam Gambhir came up with a brilliant reaction. The former India opener, who rarely smiles on the cricket field, could not stop himself from smiling.
Watch Gautam Gambhir's reaction:
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) July 30, 2024
Later in the over, Rinku struck again to dismiss Ramesh Mendis as well. He ended his over by conceding only 3 runs and picking two wickets. In the final over, Suryakumar Yadav conceded 5 when Sri Lanka needed 6 as India managed to tie the game from a losing position.
In the super over, Washington Sundar came up with a brilliant display as he picked up 2 wickets while conceding just 2 runs. Suryakumar then hit a four on the very first ball to take India home.
Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka came up with a good bowling performance to restrict the reigning world champions to a modest total of 137/9 in 20 overs. After Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, the bowlers completely justified the call.
Sri Lanka picked up as many as four wickets inside the powerplay to put India on the back foot. The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav failed to impress with the bat as India found themselves reeling at 30 for 4 in the sixth over. Shubman Gill (36), Riyan Parag (26), and Washington Sundar (25) then helped India post a 130-plus total.
