Team India produced a strong batting effort on the second day of their three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, putting themselves in a solid position. By the close of play on Day 2, India reached 357 for 6 in their first innings, trailing the host team's total by just 6 runs. Devdutt Padikkal delivered an outstanding performance with an unbeaten century to anchor the innings after an early setback.
Sri Lanka XI First Innings Performance
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka Cricket XI won the toss and opted to bat first. The home side posted a total of 363 for 8 before declaring their first innings. Their innings was laid on a strong foundation by opening batters Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha, who put together a 110-run opening stand. Nishan Madushka contributed 66 runs featuring 12 boundaries before his dismissal. Ravindu Rasantha then combined with Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a 61-run partnership for the second wicket, taking the team total to 171.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 35 runs with 6 boundaries, while Ravindu Rasantha completed a fine knock of 71 runs with 7 boundaries. After a few middle-order wickets, captain Sonal Dinusha and Ramesh Mendis stabilized the innings with a 63-run stand for the seventh wicket, helping their side cross the 300-run mark. Sonal Dinusha hit 1 six and 5 fours in his 52-run knock, while Ramesh Mendis added 32 runs.
Indian Bowlers Share the Wickets
The Indian bowling attack managed to pick up regular wickets to curb the host side's momentum. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and youngster Manav Suthar took 2 wickets each, while pacer Gurnoor Brar chipped in with 1 wicket to restrict Sri Lanka XI before their declaration.
India Batting Resurgence Led by Padikkal
India faced a difficult start to their first innings, losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck on the second delivery of the innings. However, Devdutt Padikkal joined captain KL Rahul to rebuild the innings with a composed 96-run partnership for the second wicket. KL Rahul scored 40 runs, including 1 six and 5 fours, before being dismissed.
Devdutt Padikkal continued his dominant form, playing crisp shots across the ground to reach a magnificent century. By stumps on Day 2, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 142, striking 18 boundaries during his stay. Ravindra Jadeja also made a vital contribution with the bat, scoring 63 runs before retiring hurt. Lower-order batter Manav Suthar chipped in with 41 runs. Among the Sri Lanka XI bowlers, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj picked up 2 wickets each, while Vishwa Fernando and Keshara Nuwantha claimed 1 wicket apiece.
Schedule for the Two-Match Test Series
This three-day practice fixture serves as crucial preparation for the Indian squad to adjust to local conditions. Following the conclusion of this warm-up game, India will face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series. The first Test match is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, while the second Test will take place from August 23 in Colombo.
