IND vs SL | Twitter reacts as Varun's genius and Samson's reflexes combine to save Indian hopes

Sri Lanka sprung a nasty surprise on India chasing the ongoing Asia Cup's first 200-plus total, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as they raced to 72/1 in the powerplay despite losing Kusal Mendis on the fourth ball of the innings. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera took the game by the scruff of its neck thereafter, sparing no opposition bowler in their effort to keep up with the required rate, with Harshit Rana receiving the worst treatment by getting smashed for 44 in his first three overs. All that brough the equation down to 69 required off the last eight overs and with options quickly running out, skipper Suryakumar Yadav turned to trump card Varun Chakaravarthy to bail them out of trouble, and the spinner completed his job with aplomb.

Varun began with a teasing delivery to Nissanka outside off but the opener cloughed his heave and had to settle for a dot ball. Varun stuck with a similar line for the second delivery but this time added substantial flight to it, tempting Nissanka to charge down the track and dispatch the Kookaburra. However, the slightest of turns and the length were enough to deceive Nissanka as the ball safely passed through to Samson who completed the simplest of stumpings.

Twitterati was quick to react.

Wow!

Lightning speed!

Huge wicket!

sanju!

What a player!

Sanju v samson!

Brilliant!

Superb!

Brilliant stumping!

nice!