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Xtra Time Web Desk:In a dramatic moment during the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 7, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant missed an easy stumping opportunity, which could have significantly impacted the game. The incident occurred on the last ball of the 49th over when Maheesh Theekshana charged down the pitch to face Kuldeep Yadav but missed the delivery, leaving him vulnerable to being stumped.

Pant, however, was slow to react, allowing Theekshana to regain his ground just in time. Initially, the third umpire, Paul Reiffel, mistakenly adjudged Theekshana out on the big screen, leading to confusion.

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Upon further review, the decision was overturned, and Theekshana was declared not out as he had grounded his bat in time before it momentarily lifted off the crease. This reprieve added to the tension as Sri Lanka continued their innings.

Sri Lanka, having won the toss and elected to bat first, were well-served by their top-order batsmen. Avishka Fernando led the charge with a masterful 96 off 102 balls, narrowly missing out on his fourth ODI century. His partnership of 89 runs with Pathum Nissanka (45) set the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings.

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Despite losing Nissanka to Axar Patel, Fernando continued to dominate until he was dismissed by debutant Riyan Parag, who made an impressive start to his ODI career with figures of 3/54.

Kusal Mendis also contributed with a steady 59 off 82 balls, helping Sri Lanka reach a competitive total of 248/7 in their allotted 50 overs. The missed stumping and the third umpire's initial error were just part of the drama in what was a tense and closely-fought encounter.