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A Commanding Performance in Galle
The India A cricket team registered a memorable victory on Sri Lankan soil, sealing the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0. The defining moment of the tour came as India A win series after Gurnoor Brar demolishes Sri Lanka A with an exceptional bowling display that shattered the hosts’ batting lineup in Galle. Brar’s career-best match figures of 10 for 145 paved the way for a clinical ten-wicket victory on the final day, highlighting the depth of India’s fast-bowling reserves and putting his burgeoning reputation in the spotlight.
Establishing Dominance: India A’s First-Innings Mountain
India A laid the foundation for their victory with a monumental first-innings total of 543 for 9 declared. The batting effort was headlined by B Sai Sudharsan, who played an exquisite knock of 168 runs, showcasing his class and temperament against both pace and spin. Sudharsan was ably supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who narrowly missed out on a century, departing for a well-made 94. Dhruv Jurel also contributed a solid 53, while Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 70 to push the visitors to a position of immense strength.
For Sri Lanka A, left-arm spinner Keshara Nuwantha was the standout bowler, claiming 5 for 159 in a grueling bowling effort, while Dilum Sudeera took 3 for 102. India A’s first innings concluded early on the final day when Yash Thakur was dismissed by Nuwantha. Notably, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not return to bat after retiring hurt on the third day. Despite this setback, India A’s batting depth ensured they secured a massive 177-run lead.
The Gurnoor Brar Show Begins
With a substantial lead in hand, India A’s bowlers wasted no time putting pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Medium-pacer Gurnoor Brar, who had already claimed 4 for 77 in the first innings, turned up the heat in the second essay. Brar found excellent support from the other end, as Aaqib Nabi and Yash Thakur struck early to leave Sri Lanka A reeling at 49 for 4 in the 11th over.
Among the early casualties was Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige, who had scored a brilliant 127 in the first innings but failed to replicate his heroics under intense pressure. Brar’s ability to extract bounce and movement on the Galle surface troubled the top order, putting India A firmly on track for an early finish.
Ashen Bandara’s Solitary Fightback
Sri Lanka A’s only significant resistance came from Ashen Bandara, who played a spirited, aggressive knock. The white-ball international, who represented Sri Lanka between 2021 and 2023, took the attack to the Indian bowlers. Bandara smashed 87 runs off just 86 deliveries, an innings studded with 11 boundaries and two towering sixes. He forged a crucial 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Anjala Bandara, who contributed 17 runs.
However, the counter-attacking partnership was cut short when Brar was brought back into the attack. Brar broke the stand by dismissing Anjala Bandara and quickly followed it up by removing the dangerous Ashen Bandara. With Sri Lanka A reduced to 141 for 6, the threat of an innings defeat loomed large.
Lower-Order Resistance and Brar’s Six-Wicket Haul
Sri Lanka A’s lower order showed some fight to avoid an innings defeat. Keshara Nuwantha (26), Dilum Sudeera (21), and Asanka Manoj (12 not out) played sensible cricket to wipe out the 177-run deficit and set India A a target. However, Brar remained relentless. He completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Sudeera and wrapped up the innings by removing Dulaj Samuditha, finishing with stellar figures of 6 for 68 in the second innings.
All-rounder Saransh Jain also played a key supporting role, picking up 2 for 66 to go with his four wickets in the first innings, capping off an outstanding all-round match performance. Sri Lanka A were eventually bowled out for 209, setting India A a modest target of 33 runs for victory.
A Swift Chase to Seal the Series
The chase was a mere formality for the Indian openers. B Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade walked out to the middle and knocked off the required runs in just 6.2 overs. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 25, while Mokhade contributed 11 not out to seal a comprehensive ten-wicket win. This victory ensured India A won the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0, adding to their earlier success in the 50-overs tri-series on the same tour, which also featured Afghanistan A.