India A vs Sri Lanka A Test Ends in Rain-Marred Draw
The opening four-day unofficial Test match between India A and Sri Lanka A in Galle concluded in a stalemate after heavy precipitation severely curtailed the final day’s play on Sunday, preventing a definitive result despite a strong setting from the visiting Indian contingent.
Key Highlights
- Devdutt Padikkal anchored India A’s second innings with a patient 67 off 101 deliveries.
- Sri Lankan spinner Dilum Sudeera dismantled the Indian batting order with a crucial 5-wicket haul.
- India A set an imposing fourth-innings target of 312 runs before weather interventions forced a draw.
- The multi-match series will resume with the second unofficial Test scheduled for July 2, 2026.
Galle (Sri Lanka): Top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal registered a resilient half-century during the second innings for India A, but the first four-day encounter against Sri Lanka A ultimately culminated in a flat draw due to persistent inclement weather on the final afternoon.
Resuming their second essay at 48 without loss, the visitors progressed as Padikkal struck 67 runs, navigating 101 balls and hitting 5 boundaries. Opener Ayush Pandey contributed 38 runs, while Harsh Dubey chipped in with 29 to push the total forward.
The Indian team declared their second innings at 189 for 8 after 57 overs. This strategic declaration left the hosts chasing a target of 312 runs for victory in the remaining sessions of the match.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Dilum Sudeera emerged as the standout bowler for the home side, capturing 5 wickets for 49 runs to restrict the Indian scoring surge in the second innings.
Faced with a steep chase, Sri Lanka A reached 70 for 2 across 15 overs before massive rainfall halted active play on Sunday afternoon, washing out a significant portion of the final day.
Opening batsman Pawantha Weerasinghe managed 10 runs off 19 balls, while Nuwanidu Fernando remained unbeaten on 16 alongside Ashen Bandara, who was 18 not out when the match was officially called off.
Seamer Auqib Nabi Dar from Jammu and Kashmir claimed 1 for 18, adding to his excellent first-innings returns of 4 for 58. All-rounder Harsh Dubey secured the other wicket, finishing with figures of 1 for 25.
The secondary Test match between these two developmental teams is scheduled to take place at the same venue from July 2 to July 5, 2026.
India A: 452 for 6 decl. & 189 for 8 decl. (Devdutt Padikkal 67; Dilum Sudeera 5/49)
Sri Lanka A: 330 & 70 for 2 in 15 overs (Pawantha Weerasinghe 20, Auqib Nabi 1/18). Match drawn.
First Innings Centurions and Highlights
Earlier in the match, the Indian team, captained by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, elected to bat first after winning the coin toss. The visitors posted a commanding 452 for 6 before declaring. Opening batsman Sai Sudharsan spearheaded the batting display with a brilliant 132 runs, while skipper Jurel remained unbeaten on 141. Middle-order batter Shaikh Rasheed also made a vital contribution with a well-composed 63.
In response, Sri Lanka A fought back to post 330 runs in their first innings. The home side’s resistance was led by Nuwanidu Fernando, who scored 84, alongside useful half-centuries from Ashen Bandara (70) and captain Sahan Arachchige (72).
The Indian bowling attack was led by pace bowler Auqib Nabi, who took 4 wickets, while Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey claimed 2 wickets each. Ansul Kamboj and Saransh Jain picked up 1 wicket apiece to ensure India A secured a 122-run first-innings lead.
