Brar's historic 10-wicket match haul powers India A to victory
Gurnoor Brar delivered a match-defining performance, claiming six wickets in the second innings and four in the first to finish with exceptional match figures of 10 for 145, the best of his early first-class career. His efforts set up a straightforward 33-run chase for India A, who sealed a 1-0 series win in the unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A in Galle on Sunday.
Sri Lanka A, resuming their second innings 177 runs behind, were bowled out for 209, leaving India A to wrap up the victory without any trouble. India A had resumed the day at 541 for 8 in their first innings, powered by a commanding 168 from B Sai Sudharsan and valuable half-centuries from Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Saransh Jain.
India A's dominant first innings sets the tone
India A's first innings ended shortly after the start of the day when Yash Thakur was dismissed as the fifth wicket of left-arm spinner Keshara Nuwantha, bringing a close to a dominant effort. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not return to bat after retiring hurt on the third day. The total of 541 for 9 declared gave India A a commanding lead of 176 runs.
Brar then took over, though he had support from Aaqib Nabi and Yash Thakur, who picked up a wicket each as Sri Lanka A slipped to 49 for 4 by the start of the 11th over. Captain Sahan Arachchige, who had scored a century in the first innings, was among the early dismissals as the innings unravelled.
Ashen Bandara's counterattack briefly resists
Sri Lanka A's resistance came almost entirely through Ashen Bandara, who produced a fluent counterattack with 87 off 86 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes. He added 70 runs for the fifth wicket with Anjala Bandara, who contributed a steady 17, briefly stabilising the innings before India A regained control.
The resistance ended when Brar returned to the attack, removing Anjala Bandara and then Ashen Bandara to leave Sri Lanka A struggling at 141 for 6, still well behind in the contest. Lower-order contributions from Keshara Nuwantha (26), Dilum Sudeera (21), and Asanka Manoj (12 not out) helped Sri Lanka A eventually wipe out the first-innings deficit and take a narrow lead, but their advantage was short-lived.
Brar completes five-wicket haul, Saransh Jain chips in
Brar completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Sudeera before wrapping up the innings with the wicket of Dulaj Samuditha, sealing a six-wicket effort in the second innings and a 10-wicket match haul. Saransh Jain also chipped in with two wickets as India A stayed firmly in control.
Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade knocked off the required runs in just 6.2 overs to complete the win. This victory added to India A's success in the 50-overs tri-series, with Afghanistan A being the third team, earlier on the tour.
