(Source X)
Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando experienced an embarrassing moment during the first ODI against India at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, as his exuberant celebration quickly turned into regret.
The incident occurred in the third over when Fernando was bowling to Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Earlier, Sharma had hit Fernando for both a six and a four, giving India a strong start. In the very first over, Sharma had already struck Fernando for a six on the second ball and followed it up with a four.
In Fernando’s subsequent over, he appeared to have Sharma out on the very first delivery when Sharma was given out LBW. The ball moved sharply in, beating the bat and striking Sharma on the pads. The Sri Lankan fielders appealed, and the umpire did not hesitate to signal out.
Fernando celebrated with gusto, letting out a loud roar and performing his signature ‘crotch chop’ gesture. However, Sharma decided to review the decision after conferring with Shubman Gill. Replays revealed that although there was no inside edge, the ball was actually going over the stumps. Consequently, the original decision was overturned, leaving Fernando embarrassed and deflated.
Watch Asitha Fernando’s reaction
This isn’t the first occasion Fernando has used this particular celebration against India. He had previously employed the same exuberant display after dismissing India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav during the third T20I of their series.
As for the current match, India made a strong start with the bat. At the time of this report, they were 80 for 1 after 14 overs. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had put on a solid 75-run partnership for the opening wicket before Gill was dismissed for 16. Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a target of 231 by finishing their innings at 230 for 8.
