India A closed the second day of the second unofficial Test (IND A vs SL A) in Galle in a commanding position after an unbeaten 181-run partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal erased much of Sri Lanka A’s first-innings advantage.
Resuming with Sri Lanka A well placed overnight, India A’s bowlers wrapped up their innings for 366 runs. Captain Sahan Arachchige converted his overnight fifty into a magnificent 127, anchoring the hosts’ innings with a patient knock featuring 13 boundaries and two sixes. He found useful support from Anjala Bandara (42), while the Indian bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Gurnoor Brar and Saransh Jain claimed four wickets apiece, with Brar finishing with 4/77 and Jain returning 4/92. Yash Thakur chipped in with two wickets as India prevented Sri Lanka A from posting an even bigger total.
Sai Sudharsan unbeaten on 104, Padikkal 94
India A’s reply began positively despite losing opener Aman Mokhade for 38 after a brisk start. From 66/1, Sudharsan and Padikkal took complete control of proceedings with a flawless exhibition of patience and strokeplay.
Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 104 from 184 deliveries at stumps, striking 13 fours in a composed century that blended solid defence with timely aggression. Padikkal provided ideal support, finishing unconquered on 94 off 151 balls with 11 boundaries, leaving himself just six runs short of a deserved hundred. Their stand frustrated the Sri Lankan attack, which found little assistance on a slow Galle surface.
At the close of play, India A were 247/1 in 63 overs, trailing by 119 runs with nine wickets still in hand. With two well-set batters at the crease and a relatively fresh batting order to follow, the visitors have seized the initiative and will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead on the third day.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka A 366 all out (Sahan Arachchige 127; Gurnoor Brar 4-77, Saransh Jain 4-92) lead India A 247/1 (Sai Sudharsan 104, Devdutt Padikkal 94; Keshara Nuwantha 1-63) by 119 runs.
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