India News

By Aarav Reddy — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

Sri Lanka A concluded the opening day of the second unofficial Test against India A in Galle with a score of 288 for 5 at stumps. Captain Sahan Arachchige played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten with 83 runs. This performance helped his team maintain control despite early breakthroughs by India A bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain, who each claimed two wickets.

Arachchige’s innings of 83 came off 148 balls and included nine fours and a six. He was instrumental in a significant 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara. Bandara contributed 42 runs before being dismissed by off-spinner Jain. The partnership was crucial in stabilising the innings after Sri Lanka A had recovered from a steady start.

India A’s Bowling Efforts

Yash Thakur was a key performer for India A, finishing the day with figures of 2 for 32 from 14 overs. Saransh Jain also made an impact, taking 2 for 77 from 24 overs. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar secured one wicket, conceding 49 runs in his 15 overs. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka A batters managed to build partnerships on a slow Galle pitch, making wickets challenging to obtain.

Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, making his return to red-ball cricket after six years, had a difficult outing. He bowled 16 overs and conceded 64 runs without taking a wicket. His deliveries often allowed the batters to score freely, as his leg-spin did not significantly trouble the Sri Lanka A lineup, who capitalised on any missed lengths.

Fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who had a strong debut in the first unofficial Test with a match-haul of five wickets, was unable to make an impact with the new ball against the Sri Lanka A openers. He concluded the day with figures of 0 for 50 from 15 overs. Brar, on the other hand, bowled with more pace and effectively used the short ball, though he ended with only one wicket.

Sri Lanka A’s Batting Resilience

The Sri Lanka A innings began with openers Pawantha Weerasinghe (39) and Sohan di Livera (28) establishing a 53-run stand for the first wicket. Thakur eventually provided the breakthrough for India A by dismissing Di Livera, who edged the ball to Devdutt Padikkal at slip. Weerasinghe continued to bat through most of the morning session before Brar claimed his wicket just before lunch, with the left-hander edging behind to captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

Following the openers, Nuwanidu Fernando (44) and Ashen Bandara (34) further solidified Sri Lanka A’s position by adding 57 runs for the third wicket. Jain broke this partnership by having Fernando caught by Padikkal. Thakur then removed Ashen, who also edged behind to Jurel, marking his second wicket of the day. However, the subsequent partnership between Arachchige and Anjala Bandara ensured Sri Lanka A finished the day in a strong position.

Anticipated Changes for India A

Ahead of the second unofficial Test, there was anticipation of several changes to the India A playing XI. The team management, led by Hrishikesh Kanitkar, aimed to provide opportunities to every squad member during this exposure tour. This strategy followed the first four-day ‘Test’ ending in a draw, where opener Sai Sudharsan and captain Dhruv Jurel scored centuries, and Auqib Nabi made a notable debut.

Gurnoor Brar was expected to be included in the lineup, potentially in place of Yash Thakur, as India’s senior team looks to develop its pace reserves for upcoming tours. Similarly, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who had a successful county stint and a 10-wicket haul on his Test debut against Afghanistan, was also likely to feature, potentially resting Harsh Dubey. Zeeshan Ansari’s inclusion was also considered, which would have meant dropping off-spinner Saransh Jain. Opener Aman Mokhade was another player awaiting an opportunity, possibly replacing Ayush Pandey, who did not score a half-century in the first match. However, Ayush Pandey could have retained his place if Sai Sudharsan was deemed unfit after retiring hurt in the first match’s second innings and not participating further.

The first day’s play saw Sri Lanka A reach 288 for 5 with Sahan Arachchige remaining unbeaten on 83.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com