Colombo : Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 led India’s batting display as, at the end of the second day, India finished their first innings at 357 for 6 wickets in 90 overs, just 6 runs behind Sri Lanka in the warm-up match on Saturday, 8 August, at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.
The innings belonged to Devdutt Padikkal’s spectacular unbeaten 142 off 164 balls, with valuable support from KL Rahul (40), veteran Ravindra Jadeja (63, retired out), Manav Suthar (41), and Gurnoor Brar, whose explosive last-over fireworks and unbeaten 36 off 18 balls helped India finish on 357 for 6 in their 90 overs, although India lost a few crucial wickets during the innings. With the ball, Asanka Manoj and Ramesh Mendis both picked up two wickets each with impressive spells.
Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 363/8 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. In response, India’s batting began with an early setback as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck on the second delivery of the innings while attempting a flashy shot at Vishwa Fernando. At No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal came in and, along with KL Rahul, stitched together a valuable 96-run partnership for the second wicket, providing much-needed stability after India lost an early wicket. Rahul, in his experienced style, anchored the innings with composure, while Devdutt played an attacking game, putting increasing pressure on the bowlers and reaching his half-century. The partnership was eventually broken when KL Rahul was bowled by Keshara Nuwantha. Ravindra Jadeja then joined Padikkal, and the pair added another valuable 72-run partnership for the third wicket. Devdutt Padikkal showcased a magnificent batting display playing some delectable cuts both in front of and behind point, along with some excellent cover drives and impressive footwork against the spinners. He handled both spinners and pacers exceptionally well, showcasing remarkable control and confidence, and stunningly reached his century in just 121 balls. After reaching his century, he retired out. After his retired hurt, India quickly lost two more wickets. Rishabh Pant (2) was dismissed after playing an indiscreet shot against off-spinner Ramesh Mendis (2/77), trying to hit him against the turn over long-on. The leading edge flew to long-off. Dhruv Jurel (1) was dismissed soon after, with Ramesh Mendis (2/77 in 18 overs) claiming two crucial wickets. Manav Suthar impressed with a composed 41 off 91 balls. Along with Jadeja, he added a crucial 76-run partnership off 127 balls before Jadeja retired out after scoring a valuable 63. Jadeja proved to be a reliable asset in the middle order, making a valuable contribution to India’s innings. After Jadeja retired hurt, India lost two more wickets before Padikkal returned to action and remained unbeaten on 142. Gurnoor Brar then provided a sensational late assault, smashing four sixes in five balls in the last over. He ended unbeaten on 36 off 18 balls, helping India finish on 357/6 after their 90 overs, just 6 runs behind Sri Lanka’s total. With the ball, Asanka Manoj and Ramesh Mendis impressively picked up two wickets each, while Vishwa Fernando and Keshara Nuwantha claimed one wicket each.
Padikkal’s unbeaten 142, including 18 boundaries, was an outstanding performance, which could further strengthen his position as a first-choice No. 3, particularly after in-form Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series due to a toe injury. India ended Day 2 in a strong position at 357/6, while on Day 3, India will look to continue this strong momentum
