Gaikwad 101* trumps Arachchige 74 as India A win thriller against Sri Lanka A
A Nervy Start in Dambulla
The India A tour of Sri Lanka commenced under sweltering conditions in Dambulla, featuring a gripping contest that tested the mettle of both sides. On a surface that proved difficult for stroke-makers due to its two-paced nature, India A managed to secure a narrow eight-run victory, successfully navigating a path through potential defeat. While the match featured several seasoned campaigners, much of the pre-match focus had been on the debut of 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The Sooryavanshi Effect
The anticipation surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was palpable from the moment he arrived in Sri Lanka. Despite his brief time at the crease, he provided a glimpse of the immense potential that has generated such significant media and fan interest. After a watchful first over from his partner, Sooryavanshi made an immediate statement by slapping his first delivery for a boundary.
Though his stay was limited to just 12 balls, he contributed a brisk 14 runs with three boundaries before falling to a sharp diving catch by Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige. With more group matches ahead before his departure for the senior team’s tour of Ireland, the teenager is expected to refine his game further as the tournament progresses.
Gaikwad’s Masterclass at No. 4
Ruturaj Gaikwad, a late injury replacement for Riyan Parag, proved his immense value to the side by anchoring the Indian innings. Stepping into the vice-captaincy role, Gaikwad displayed exceptional middle-order flexibility, scoring a measured 114-ball 101. This performance solidified his reputation in the 50-over format, coming just months after his successful outing against South Africa.
The pitch demanded patience, and Gaikwad responded by prioritizing strike rotation over aggressive boundary hitting. His innings, which included only six fours and three sixes, was the cornerstone of a vital 150-run partnership with captain Tilak Varma. A lucky reprieve on 49, when he was missed by Niroshan Dickwella, allowed him to shift gears and accelerate, eventually bringing up his 21st List A century in record time. He remains the fastest player to reach this milestone, achieving the feat in just 96 matches.
Shedge and Roy Provide All-Round Balance
Beyond the headline century, India A benefited from vital contributions from the lower middle order and the bowling attack. Suryansh Shedge continued to build his reputation as a genuine seam-bowling allrounder. His quick-fire 26 not out off 14 balls gave the Indian total the late impetus it required, while his opening spell with the ball caused significant problems for the Sri Lankan top order.
Anukul Roy, meanwhile, reaffirmed his status as a high-quality spin option. His figures of 2 for 49 do not fully capture his influence on the game. By breaking a dangerous 86-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama and the opposition captain, Roy shifted the momentum firmly in India A’s favor. His ability to dismiss Ravindu Fernando soon after put the hosts into a state of panic from which they could not recover.
The Final Push
Chasing 278, Sri Lanka A looked well-positioned for long stretches, particularly through the defiant knock of captain Sahan Arachchige. However, the disciplined Indian bowling unit forced a collapse in the final stages. Despite the pressure, the visitors held their nerve to bowl out the hosts for 269 in the 49th over. This victory provides India A with crucial momentum heading into the remainder of the series, demonstrating that they have the depth and the composure to close out tight matches even when the conditions are challenging.
