Colombo: India’s bowling unit endured a difficult day before launching a late fightback, with the spinners playing a crucial role in the recovery, as Sri Lanka XI put on an impressive batting display to post a formidable 363 for 8 on the opening day of the three-day warm-up match on Friday, 7 August, at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, ahead of the two-match Test series between the two sides.
Since the match does not have first-class status, each team will bat for 90 overs on Days 1 and 2, and 45 overs on the final day. India Test captain Shubman Gill was rested for the opening day of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI after sustaining an impact injury to his right ring finger during training on Thursday, while KL Rahul stepped in to lead the side in his absence. Sri Lanka XI made a solid start to the day, with Nishan Madushka Fernando and Ravindu Rasantha both scoring impressive half-centuries. India hit back strongly after lunch by claiming three quick wickets, but Sonal Dinusha’s well-made fifty helped the hosts cross the 300-run mark. India fought back well in the final session, picking up four wickets to leave Sri Lanka XI at 363/8 at stumps. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar claimed two wickets each, while Gurnoor Brar chipped in with one wicket.
The match began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and electing to bat first. With that decision, Sri Lanka found early momentum as the openers, Nishan Madushka Fernando (66 off 65) and Ravindu Rasantha (71 off 143), made an impressive start. The pair stitched together a strong 110-run opening partnership, laying a solid foundation for the innings. However, India’s opening bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, struggled to make an early breakthrough. The breakthrough eventually came through a miscommunication between the batters, resulting in Nishan Madushka Fernando being run out. The first session ended with Sri Lanka at 138/1 after 29 overs. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Ravindu Rasantha then added another 61-run partnership before Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand and dismissed Pasindu for 35 off 63 balls. Manav Suthar then dismissed the well-set Ravindu Rasantha, while Gurnoor Brar removed Pavan Rathnayake after he scored 39 off 47 balls. Sri Lanka were reduced to 246/4. India then claimed four more wickets in the final 30 overs, producing a crucial late recovery. Sri Lankan captain Sonal Dinusha played a crucial innings and delivered a well-made half-century, scoring 52 off 71 balls. He was eventually dismissed by Manav Suthar, who claimed his second wicket of the day and finished with impressive figures of 2/33 from his 13 overs. Kuldeep Yadav bowled effectively and picked up two wickets, dismissing Wickramasinghe and Anjala Bandara. He conceded 76 runs in 18 overs. Ravindra Jadeja also claimed two wickets, finishing with impressive figures of 2/64 from his 15 overs. Saransh Jain went wicketless, conceding 54 runs in 11 overs. Among the fast bowlers, Mohammed Siraj conceded 44 runs in 13 overs, while Prasidh Krishna gave away 32 runs in 8 overs, with both bowlers going wicketless. Gurnoor Brar conceded 49 runs in 12 overs and claimed one wicket.
Sri Lanka ended the day on 363/8, leaving India with a challenging target to chase on Day 2.
