India A have tightened their grip on the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, with Sai Sudarshan's second successive century powering the side to 247 for 1 at stumps on day two.
Sudarshan's twin tons
Opener Sai Sudarshan continued his rich vein of form, batting fluently for an unbeaten 104 off 184 balls studded with 13 fours. It is his second hundred in as many innings, underlining just how well the left hander is timing the ball in this series.
Padikkal closing in on a ton of his own
At the other end, Devdutt Padikkal is also nearing three figures, batting on 94 off 151 balls with 11 boundaries to his name. The pair have already added 181 runs together, a stand that has all but taken the initiative away from Sri Lanka A on the second day.
Mokhade departs early
India A have lost only one wicket so far, that of Aman Mokhade, who opened alongside Sudarshan. Mokhade made 38 off 48 balls, hitting 6 fours, before falling after putting on 66 runs for the first wicket.
Sri Lanka A folded for 366
Sri Lanka A had earlier been bowled out for 366 in their first innings. Captain Sahan Arachchige top scored with a fine century, striking 127 off 207 balls with 2 sixes and 13 fours. Nuwanidu Fernando chipped in with 44 and Anjula Bandara added 42.
Gurnoor and Saransh star with the ball
India's bowling effort was led by Gurnoor Brar and Saransh Jain, who picked up 4 wickets apiece to rip through the Sri Lanka A batting line up. Yash Thakur chipped in with 2 wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 366.
What to expect on day three
India A currently trail Sri Lanka A by 119 runs. When play resumes on the third day, India will look to build a substantial lead to put Sri Lanka A under pressure heading into their second innings. Sudarshan will aim to convert his hundred into a bigger score, while Padikkal will look to complete his century and go on to play a long innings as well.
