In an exciting match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday, England finished their T20 World Cup preparations with a tough win over Sri Lanka. Although the overall series suggests a strong performance, the last match showcased impressive spin bowling and defense of low scores, highlighted by an incredible moment from Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana.
Maheesh Theekshana delivers an unplayable ball to dismiss Jos Buttler in 3rd T20I
A standout moment in the first innings occurred in the 8th over when Theekshana delivered what many are calling the ball of the series. England’s top batter, Jos Buttler, was trying to stabilize a shaky innings with 25 runs off 21 balls when he was caught off guard by a remarkable delivery from Theekshana.
Normally known for his precise lines and subtle skids, Theekshana found an unexpected grip on the Pallekele pitch. The ball pitched at a perfect length, gripped the dry surface, and “spun a mile,” sliding through the large gap between Buttler’s bat and pad. It hit the top of the off-stump, sending the experienced batter back to the pavilion in disbelief.
After the dismissal, Theekshana celebrated in his signature style, mimicking an archer shooting an arrow into the sky as his teammates surrounded him. At that point, England was struggling at 47/5, and the crowd in Kandy erupted, witnessing a masterclass in spin bowling. Theekshana completed his spell with impressive figures of 1/16, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most challenging mystery bowlers in T20 cricket.
Here’s the video:
