Sai Sudharsan struck a fluent 132 off 175 deliveries to anchor India A's innings on the opening day of the first four-day unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday. At stumps, India A were 333 for 4, with captain Dhruv Jurel (68 not out) and Shaikh Rasheed (53 not out) adding an unbroken 105-run stand for the fifth wicket.
India A opt to bat after winning toss
Winning the toss, India A elected to bat first on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers early on. The opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and Aayush Pandey put on 82 runs for the first wicket, providing a solid foundation. Pandey, who made 25 off 64 balls with three fours, was the first to depart, caught off the bowling of Dilum Sudeera.
Devdutt Padikkal (12 off 7) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (22 off 53, one four) fell cheaply, leaving India A at 181 for 3. However, Sudharsan held firm at one end, compiling his century with 19 boundaries at a strike rate of over 75. He was eventually dismissed by Chamika Gunasekara for 132, with the team score at 217 for 4.
Jurel and Rasheed anchor the innings
After Sudharsan's departure, skipper Dhruv Jurel and Shaikh Rasheed took charge. Jurel remained unbeaten on 68 off 138 balls, striking five fours, while Rasheed matched him with 53 not out off 92 balls, including four boundaries. Their unbroken partnership of 105 runs steered India A past 300 and ensured they ended the day in a commanding position.
For Sri Lanka A, off-spinner Dilum Sudeera was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 for 98 in 21 overs. Chamika Gunasekara finished with 1 for 50. The hosts will look to make early inroads on day two to restrict India A's total.
