India ‘A’ secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the second Unofficial Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium to seal the two-match series, 1-0.
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka ‘A’ produced a competitive first-innings total of 366. The skipper Sahan Arachchige led from the front with a superb 127 off 207 deliveries, striking 13 fours and 2 sixes to anchor the innings.
For the visitors, Gurnoor Brar was the standout bowler, finishing with 4 wickets for 77 runs to restrict the hosts.
India ‘A’ responded in dominant fashion, piling up 543 for 9 declared to take complete control of the contest. The opening batter Sai Sudharsan produced a magnificent innings of 168 from 267 balls, laced with 22 boundaries, laying the foundation for the visitors’ imposing total.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ found a bright spot through off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, who toiled tirelessly to claim an impressive 5 for 159 after a marathon spell.
Trailing by 177 runs on the first innings, Sri Lanka ‘A’ struggled in their second essay and were bowled out for 209, leaving India ‘A’ an easy target of 33 runs.
Despite the batting collapse, Ashen Bandara offered resistance with a fighting 87 off 86 balls, an aggressive knock featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes, but lacked substantial support from the other end.
Gurnoor Brar once again proved to be the chief destroyer, following up his first-innings performance with 6 wickets for 68 runs to finish with a match haul of 10 wickets.
Needing just 33 runs for victory, India ‘A’ completed the chase comfortably in 6.2 overs without losing a wicket, sealing a convincing win and clinching the two-match Unofficial Test series 1-0.
