Nabi's four-wicket haul puts India A in control
Pacer Auqib Nabi claimed a four-wicket haul, supported by fine bowling from Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, as India A finished day three of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A on a high at Galle on Saturday. At stumps, India A were 48 for no loss in their second innings, with Devdutt Padikkal (20 not out) and Aayush Pandey (20 not out) at the crease. Sai Sudharsan retired hurt on 7. The visitors now lead by 170 runs.
Sri Lanka A's innings folded for 330
Resuming day three at 113 for 2, Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 330 in 101.4 overs, trailing by 122 runs in response to India A's first-innings total of 452 for 6 declared. Yash Thakur (2 for 51) struck early, removing overnight batsman Nuwanidu Fernando for 84 off 142 balls, with nine fours. Ashen Bandara (70 off 162 balls, 10 fours) and Sahan Arachchige (72 off 159 balls, five fours, three sixes) then added 117 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Auqib Nabi (4 for 58) wiped out the lower order, while Harsh Dubey (2 for 84) also contributed with key wickets.
India A's first innings built on centuries
Earlier, India A elected to bat first and declared at 452 for 6, powered by centuries from Dhruv Jurel (141 not out off 215 balls, 13 fours, one six) and Sai Sudharsan (132 off 175 balls, 19 fours), along with a half-century from Shaik Rasheed (63 off 113 balls, five fours). Chamika Gunasekara (3 for 84) was the pick of the Sri Lanka A bowlers. India A will look to set a challenging target on day four, with their lead already substantial.
