COLOMBO — India's spin attack staged a crucial fightback in the final session to restrict Sri Lanka Cricket XI (SLC XI) to 363/8 in 90 overs at Stumps on Day 1 of their three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. Despite strong half-centuries from Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rasantha, and skipper Sonal Dinusha, India’s slow bowlers turned the tide late in the day to wrest back control ahead of the upcoming Test series.
Early Dominance from SLC XI Openers
Having won the toss and chosen to bat, SLC XI capitalised on flat batting conditions and a struggling Indian pace attack. Openers Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha posted a quickfire 100-run opening partnership, putting pressure on India's frontline fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Madushka set an aggressive tone, blasting 66 off just 65 balls before a miscommunication led to a sharp run-out, giving India their opening breakthrough. Rasantha anchored the innings with a patient 71 off 143 deliveries. By Lunch, the hosts had comfortably reached 138/1 in 29 overs, leaving the visitors searching for answers.
Indian Spinners Lead the Comeback
As the pitch began to offer turn in the second and third sessions, India's spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and young Manav Suthar systematically broke down the SLC XI middle order:
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Manav Suthar (2/33): Provided control and crucial breakthroughs, removing skipper Sonal Dinusha late in the evening.
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Ravindra Jadeja (2/64): Dismissed key batters including Ramesh Mendis to break dangerous partnerships.
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Kuldeep Yadav (2/76): Struck twice in quick succession during the final session to disrupt the hosts' scoring rate.
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Gurnoor Brar (1 Wicket): Stood out as the only successful frontline seamer, as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna went wicketless.
In the final session, India claimed four key wickets, curbing what looked set to be a 400-plus total on opening day.
Match Summary Scorecard at Stumps (Day 1)
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SLC XI First Innings: 363/8 in 90 overs
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Ravindu Rasantha: 71 (143)
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Nishan Madushka: 66 (65)
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Sonal Dinusha: 52 (71)
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India Bowling Highlights:
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Manav Suthar: 2/33
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Ravindra Jadeja: 2/64
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Kuldeep Yadav: 2/76
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Injury Watch: KL Rahul Captains in Shubman Gill's Absence
Regular Test captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of field action on Day 1 after sustaining a right ring finger impact injury during Thursday's practice session. KL Rahul stepped in as stand-in captain. The BCCI medical team continues to monitor Gill's status to determine if he will bat on Day 2 or 3.
