In a heartwarming moment that stood out amid heated on-field drama, India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi touched the feet of Sri Lanka’s first ODI captain Anura Tennekoon shortly after India A’s Super Over defeat against Sri Lanka A.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Dambulla. Emotions were already running high after a fiery exchange between Sooryavanshi and Sri Lankan bowler Vishen Halambage. According to reports, Halambage taunted the young Indian with words like “Match over… now you go home,” prompting Sooryavanshi to react sharply and charge towards him. Teammates, including India A captain Tilak Varma, had to step in to separate the two. Varma was also seen arguing with the umpire.

The match ended in disappointment for India A, but the day took a respectful turn when Tennekoon, who had travelled all the way from Colombo, waited outside the India A dressing room for nearly an hour. When the young batter emerged, Sooryavanshi immediately bent down to touch the veteran’s feet — a traditional Indian gesture of respect. Tennekoon responded with a warm hug.

The conversation between the two was brief but meaningful. The legendary Sri Lankan cricketer advised the prodigy to focus only on his game and cut out the outside noise. “Today, unfortunately, you couldn’t get going. But that’s part of the game, you can’t get going every day,” Tennekoon told him, according to those present.

The gesture has earned praise across cricket circles, especially given Sooryavanshi’s age and the intense pressure he has been under. The 15-year-old has already made waves with over 700 runs in the IPL 2026 season, earning fans even in Sri Lanka.

Tennekoon himself expressed admiration for the youngster. “I was really impressed by his batting in the IPL. And hitting those sixes and fours the way he does is something unbelievable. I hope he continues in this way,” he said.

This is not the first time Sooryavanshi has received words of wisdom from a senior figure. Just days ago, Virat Kohli met the young opener and gave him similar advice — to stay focused on cricket and ignore distractions. A video of that interaction had gone viral after being shared by RCB.

Sooryavanshi’s recent scores for India A read 12, 44 and 21. While he couldn’t fire in Dambulla, his talent remains unquestionable. At just 15, he is already being talked about as a generational talent, but Tuesday’s events also highlighted the challenges of handling expectations and on-field aggression at such a young age.

The on-field clash has drawn attention to the competitive nature of these ‘A’ team matches, which are meant to prepare players for higher levels. Sri Lanka A managed to pull off a thrilling win in the Super Over, adding to the intensity of the contest.

For Anura Tennekoon, who captained Sri Lanka in their first-ever ODI in 1975, the gesture from Sooryavanshi was special. The veteran made the effort to personally meet and guide the young Indian, showing the spirit of cricket that often rises above rivalry.

Back home, Indian fans have reacted positively to the touching feet moment, with many calling it a fine example of sportsmanship and respect for elders. Social media is filled with clips of the interaction, balancing out the earlier videos of the confrontation.

Cricket experts believe such experiences, both the tough ones and the respectful ones, will help shape Sooryavanshi’s career. At 15, he is already carrying the weight of big expectations, but moments like Tuesday’s meeting with Tennekoon could provide the mental balance he needs.

The India A tour of Sri Lanka continues, and all eyes remain on how the young batter performs in the remaining games. For now, the image of the teenager touching the feet of Sri Lanka’s cricket pioneer has become the lasting memory from the day.

Further matches are expected to test both skill and temperament, but Sooryavanshi’s ability to show respect after a heated contest has won him admirers on both sides of the border.

In a dominant display, India A women's team stormed into the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 final, setting up an exciting summit clash with Bangladesh A on February 22 in Bangkok. Radha Yadav's all-round heroics powered India A past Sri Lanka A in the first semi-final on February 20, chasing down 119 in just 13.3 overs. This timely triumph keeps India's momentum alive amid rising women's cricket fever in Asia.

Radha Yadav's Match-Winning All-Rounder Show

Radha Yadav earned Player of the Match honors with a stellar performance in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars final-bound semi-final. She first dismantled Sri Lanka's batting with a fiery four-wicket haul for 19 runs in 3.4 overs, restricting them to 118.

Prema Rawat and Tanuja Kanwar chipped in with two wickets each, while Saima Thakor and Minnu Mani grabbed one apiece. Sri Lanka's top scorers were Sanjana Kavindi (31) and Hansima Karunaratne (14), with a 36-run opening stand their only bright spot. Shashini Gimhani added 22, but the rest crumbled.

In the chase, Vrinda Dinesh unleashed fireworks, smashing 42 off 20 balls with eight fours. Radha Yadav followed up brilliantly, blasting 31 off 18 balls including seven fours. Shashini Gimhani (2/33) and Yasanthi Nimanthika (1/17) tried for Sri Lanka, but India A cruised home.

This win highlights India A's depth, perfect timing as women's cricket gains traction post recent T20 leagues and Olympics buzz.

Bangladesh A Edges Pakistan A in Thriller

In the second semi-final, Bangladesh A defended 110/8 to crush Pakistan A by 54 runs, bundling them out for 56 in 16.4 overs. Sanjida Akter Meghla starred with 3/??, while Fahima Khatun took 2 wickets. Hafza Khalid grabbed two for Pakistan earlier.

Bangladesh's bowlers executed a clinical plan, proving low totals can be defended with sharp skills. This sets up a high-stakes Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars final against India A.

Why This Matters Now for Women's Cricket

With the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 underway, these semi-final results spotlight emerging talents amid Asia's growing women's cricket scene. India A's blend of pace and spin, led by Radha Yadav, signals bright futures, especially with IPL and international tours looming. Fans in India, Bangladesh, and beyond are buzzing—expect packed virtual viewership.

Key Takeaways for Fans:

• Watch India A vs Bangladesh A on Feb 22 for explosive action.
  
  

• Track stars like Radha Yadav and Vrinda Dinesh for future national duties.
  
  

• Women's cricket in Asia is surging; follow for betting tips, live scores.
  
  

India A eyes glory in the final, continuing their dominance. Stay tuned for live updates.