Ruturaj Gaikwad’s composed century and a dramatic late collapse from Sri Lanka A helped India A secure an unlikely eight-run victory in the opening match of the tri-series on Tuesday.
While much of the pre-match attention centered on young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut appearance for India A in one-day cricket, it was the experienced Gaikwad and a spirited bowling effort that ultimately guided the visitors to victory.
Chasing 278 for victory, Sri Lanka A appeared firmly in control thanks to captain Sahan Arachchige’s brilliant 74 off 72 deliveries. The hosts were on course for a comfortable win before a stunning collapse saw them lose their final four wickets in the space of just 10 balls.
Pacer Arshad Khan played a decisive role in the dramatic finish, claiming three wickets in the final over as Sri Lanka A crumbled under pressure. Earlier, Anshul Kamboj delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Arachchige with a sharp yorker just when the Sri Lankan skipper looked set to steer his side home.
India A’s spinners Ayush Badoni and Anukul Roy kept the contest alive during the middle overs, claiming two wickets each and preventing Sri Lanka A from running away with the chase after a strong start.
The Sri Lankan innings was anchored by opening partners Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando, who put together a 93-run stand. Dickwella marked his return with a fluent 47, while Fernando contributed 45 before both fell attempting attacking strokes against Badoni.
Earlier, India A recovered strongly after electing to bat and slipping to 16 for two inside five overs. Sooryavanshi, making his first appearance for India A in the format, showed glimpses of promise with three boundaries but was dismissed for 14 after attempting an ambitious shot over mid-off.
The early setbacks left India A under pressure, but vice-captain Gaikwad and skipper Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a crucial 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Battling difficult conditions that offered assistance to the bowlers, the pair initially focused on rebuilding before gradually accelerating.
Gaikwad reached his 21st List A century in 112 balls and finished with 101, while Tilak contributed a patient 60 from 97 deliveries. Their efforts laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Late cameos from Badoni, who struck 24 off 18 balls, and Suryansh Shedge, unbeaten on 26 from just 14 deliveries, pushed India A to 277 for six.
The victory gives the Tilak Varma-led side a winning start to the tri-series ahead of their next match against Afghanistan A on June 11.
