Sri Lanka A’s run to the Tri-Nation final has once again brought attention back to their last heated clash with India A, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi found himself at the centre of on-field tension during a dramatic Super Over finish. The two sides meet again in Sunday’s title clash, ensuring added scrutiny on how emotions are managed this time around. The fixture arrives with Sri Lanka A in strong form after a dominant 103-run win over Afghanistan A.
While the focus has shifted to the final, the backdrop of that earlier flashpoint involving Sooryavanshi continues to linger in the conversation around the contest.
Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige was quick to distance his team from any suggestion of targeting individuals, including Sooryavanshi, ahead of the final.
“The boys are not targeting anyone or anything. They are just enjoying themselves,” said Arachchige told Sportstar. “In a close game like a Super Over, emotions come out. That’s normal. There are a lot of experienced players in this team. They know what to do and they know how to play.”
Arachchige stressed that Sri Lanka A’s focus remains on their own processes rather than external narratives surrounding players like Sooryavanshi.
“The boys are doing very well, and we’re looking forward to having a great match in the final,” he said. “With the batting, there is no issue. And with the bowling, every fast bowler and spinner is doing very well. I think we are in good shape.”
Sri Lanka A’s consistency has been built on collective performances, with Avishka Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella providing stability at the top, while the bowling unit has delivered across conditions through both pace and spin.
SOORYAVANSHI SPOTLIGHT AS TENSIONS BUILD
Despite Sri Lanka A’s attempts to keep things calm, attention remains fixed on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the previous clash, where tempers flared and players from both sides exchanged words in a high-pressure finish.
However, Arachchige reiterated that his team is not approaching the final with any added focus on individuals.
“There are a lot of experienced players in this team. They know what to do and they know how to play,” he said.
“They are doing very well and I think they will play the next match in the same way,” he added, praising the form of his senior batters.
As Sri Lanka A prepare for the final, the message from their camp remains consistent: the spotlight may be on Sooryavanshi externally, but internally the focus is firmly on execution and finishing the tournament on a high.
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