India A pulled off a thrilling victory in the opening match of the tri-series in Dambulla, defeating Sri Lanka A by just eight runs in a contest that swung dramatically in the final stages. Chasing a target of 278, the hosts appeared firmly on course at 262/6 before suffering a stunning collapse, losing their final four wickets for only seven runs.
The match was highlighted by a brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose composed innings laid the foundation for India’s competitive total and ultimately proved decisive.
Cricket fans following emerging talent and international action can stay updated with live scores and match coverage at Live Cricket Score.
Early Setbacks Test India A
Much of the pre-match attention centred around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following his outstanding IPL campaign. The left-hander started confidently, striking a boundary from the first ball he faced and adding two more soon after.
However, Sri Lanka A’s pace attack exploited helpful conditions and generated considerable movement with the new ball. Sooryavanshi’s promising innings was cut short when captain Sahan Arachchige produced an excellent catch at mid-off. Prabhsimran Singh also departed cheaply, leaving India A struggling at 16/2.
At that point, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Priyansh Arya began rebuilding the innings. Arya immediately showed positive intent, launching a six over extra cover to get off the mark. Together, the pair added valuable runs before a mix-up between the wickets resulted in Arya being run out, ending a useful 53-run partnership.
Gaikwad Anchors the Innings
Captain Tilak Varma then joined Gaikwad at the crease as Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers worked hard to contain the scoring rate.
While Tilak initially found runs difficult to come by, Gaikwad remained calm and steadily accumulated runs. He reached his half-century with a straight six and continued to guide the innings expertly.
Tilak eventually found some rhythm and brought up his own fifty after a patient knock. Shortly afterward, Gaikwad completed his 21st List A century, once again demonstrating his consistency in the format.
Although both batters were dismissed later in the innings, India A received an important late boost from Ayush Badoni and Suryansh Shedge. Badoni struck a quick 24, while Shedge remained unbeaten on 26 from only 14 deliveries. A productive 49th over added crucial momentum as India A closed on 277/6 from their 50 overs.
Sri Lanka A Make Strong Start
The chase began in aggressive fashion for the hosts.
Niroshan Dickwella immediately signalled Sri Lanka A’s intent by hitting a boundary from the opening delivery. Alongside Avishka Fernando, he attacked India’s pace bowlers and helped the team race to 65 runs within the first nine overs.
Dickwella looked particularly dangerous, producing a range of attractive strokes including a daring scoop shot that delighted the crowd.
The opening partnership eventually reached 93 before Ayush Badoni made the breakthrough. Fernando was dismissed attempting a sweep, and Badoni soon struck again when Dickwella also fell while playing a similar shot.
India A’s bowlers suddenly found themselves back in the contest.
Momentum Swings Back and Forth
Vipraj Nigam added another breakthrough by removing Nuwanidu Fernando, tightening India’s grip on the game.
However, Sahan Arachchige and Sadeera Samarawickrama responded with a crucial partnership that shifted pressure back onto India A. The pair rotated strike effectively while finding regular boundaries to keep the required rate under control.
Samarawickrama looked set before falling while attempting another attacking stroke. Anukul Roy then dismissed Ravindu Fernando, but Arachchige continued to lead the chase brilliantly.
The Sri Lankan skipper reached a well-made half-century in just 43 deliveries and appeared to be guiding his side toward victory.
Incredible Late Collapse Seals India A Victory
Even after Arachchige’s dismissal to a superb yorker from Anshul Kamboj in the 48th over, Sri Lanka A remained favourites. With only 10 runs needed from the final two overs and wickets in hand, victory seemed within reach.
Then came a remarkable turnaround.
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth was trapped leg-before-wicket, creating sudden tension. Moments later, a costly misunderstanding between the batters resulted in a crucial run-out. Sahan attempted a risky single, only for Gaikwad to react quickly from short midwicket and remove the bails.
The pressure intensified, and India A completed the comeback when Vipraj Nigam held a superb diving catch near the boundary to dismiss the final recognised batter.
Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 269, handing India A a memorable eight-run victory.
Gaikwad’s Century Sets the Tone
While India’s bowlers held their nerve during the dramatic finish, the platform was built by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s outstanding century. His innings provided stability after early setbacks and ensured India A posted a total that ultimately proved just beyond Sri Lanka A’s reach.
The victory gives India A a perfect start to the tri-series and showcases the depth of talent coming through the country’s cricketing ranks.
Brief Scores
India A: 277/6 in 50 overs
(Ruturaj Gaikwad 101, Tilak Varma 60, Suryansh Shedge 26*)
Sri Lanka A: 269 all out in 48.5 overs
(Sahan Arachchige 74, Niroshan Dickwella 47, Sadeera Samarawickrama 46)
Result: India A won by 8 runs.
