Dambulla: India A pulled off a dramatic eight-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the opening match of the tri-series in Dambulla on Tuesday, riding on a composed century by Ruturaj Gaikwad and a late collapse from the hosts.

In what turned out to be a tightly contested encounter, Sri Lanka A appeared to be cruising towards victory while chasing a target of 278. However, a sudden collapse that saw them lose their last four wickets in just 10 balls handed India A an unlikely win.

Gaikwad anchors India A innings

Opting to bat first, India A endured an early setback as they slipped to 16 for two within the first five overs. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his debut for India A in one-day cricket, managed just 14 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh also departed early.

The innings was stabilised by vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and skipper Tilak Varma, who stitched together a crucial 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The duo showed patience and composure on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers and under challenging windy conditions.

Gaikwad was the standout performer, scoring a well-crafted 101 off 112 balls. His knock, which included a mix of controlled aggression and steady accumulation, marked his 21st century in List A cricket. Tilak Varma supported him effectively with a measured 60 off 97 balls.

Initially cautious, Gaikwad accelerated after reaching his half-century, which came off 66 deliveries. He showcased his class with a six over mid-wicket off spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and later brought up his century with a single. However, he was dismissed soon after, attempting a big shot.

Tilak Varma also departed shortly after reaching his fifty, leaving India A in need of a late push. That came through Ayush Badoni (24 off 18 balls) and Suryansh Shedge (26 not out off 14 balls), who added a quick 46 runs to propel the team to a competitive total of 277 for six in 50 overs.

Sri Lanka A falter after strong start

In reply, Sri Lanka A began their chase confidently, with Niroshan Dickwella (47 off 45 balls) and Avishka Fernando (45 off 59 balls) putting on a solid 93-run opening stand. Both batters looked in control before falling to spin, as India A clawed their way back into the contest.

The middle-order effort was led by captain Sahan Arachchige, who played a superb knock of 74 off 72 balls. His innings put Sri Lanka A firmly in the driver’s seat, bringing them within touching distance of victory.

However, the turning point came when Arachchige was dismissed by Anshul Kamboj, who bowled a precise yorker to break the backbone of the chase. What followed was a dramatic collapse, with Sri Lanka A losing their last four wickets in a span of just 10 deliveries.

Bowlers hold nerve in final overs

India A’s bowlers showed resilience under pressure, particularly in the closing stages. Arshad Khan played a crucial role by picking up three wickets in the final over, sealing the win for his team.

The spin duo of Ayush Badoni (2 for 46) and Anukul Roy (2 for 49) had earlier ensured that the run chase did not get out of hand, even as the pacers struggled at times to contain runs.

Anshul Kamboj, despite being expensive initially, delivered at a critical moment by dismissing the well-set Arachchige, shifting the momentum back in India A’s favour.

Sooryavanshi’s debut draws attention

Much of the pre-match attention was on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been in sensational form recently. While his debut innings did not produce a big score, he showed glimpses of his talent with a few crisp boundaries before falling to an impulsive shot.

Despite his modest outing, the youngster remains a player to watch as he begins his journey at the international level.

Conclusion

India A’s narrow victory highlighted their ability to stay composed under pressure and capitalise on key moments. While Gaikwad’s century laid the foundation, it was the team’s collective effort, particularly in the field and during the final overs, that secured the win.

For Sri Lanka A, the defeat will be a hard pill to swallow after being in a commanding position for most of the chase. Their late collapse underscores the importance of finishing games strongly.

India A will look to carry this momentum into their next match against Afghanistan A on June 11, while Sri Lanka A will aim to bounce back quickly in the ongoing tri-series.


(This story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)