Gaikwad century powers India A to narrow win over Sri Lanka A in Tri-Series opener

A superb century by Ruturaj Gaikwad and a disciplined all-round bowling effort helped India A register an eight-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the opening match of the Sri Lanka A-Team Tri-Series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, India A recovered from an early wobble to post a competitive 277 for six in their allotted 50 overs. The visitors were in trouble at 16 for two after losing Prabhsimran Singh and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cheaply, but Gaikwad anchored the innings with a composed 101 off 114 deliveries, striking six fours and three sixes.

He found an able partner in captain Tilak Varma, who contributed a patient 60 from 97 balls as the pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership. Late contributions from Ayush Badoni (24 off 18) and Suryansh Shedge (26 not out off 14) provided valuable acceleration in the closing overs.

For Sri Lanka A, Mohamed Shiraz was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 67, while Wanuja Sahan, Chamika Karunaratne and Garuka Sanketh claimed a wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka A made a positive start to their chase, with Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando adding 93 runs for the opening wicket. Dickwella struck 47 off 45 balls while Avishka made 45 off 59 deliveries before both fell in quick succession.

Sadeera Samarawickrama kept the innings moving with 46, but it was captain Sahan Arachchige who led the fightback. The left-hander produced a spirited 74 off 72 balls, including six fours and two sixes, to keep Sri Lanka A firmly in contention.

However, regular wickets at key moments prevented the hosts from gaining full control of the chase. With 16 runs needed from the final three overs, India A’s bowlers held their nerve. Arshad Khan removed two wickets in the closing stages as Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 269 in 48.5 overs.

Anukul Roy, Ayush Badoni, Vipraj Nigam and Arshad Khan shared eight wickets between them, each claiming two scalps.

The victory gives India A an ideal start to the tri-series, while Sri Lanka A will look to bounce back in their next fixture after an encouraging but ultimately unsuccessful chase.

Chief Scores:

India A 277/6 (50 overs) – Ruturaj Gaikwad 101, Tilak Varma 60, Priyansh Arya 32; Mohamed Shiraz 2/67.

Sri Lanka A 269 all out (48.5 overs) – Sahan Arachchige 74, Niroshan Dickwella 47, Sadeera Samarawickrama 46, Avishka Fernando 45; Anukul Roy 2/49, Ayush Badoni 2/46, Vipraj Nigam 2/46, Arshad Khan 2/24.

Result: India A won by 8 runs.