Colombo, June 9: In the first match of the triangular ODI series between A teams in Sri Lanka, India A has set a target of 278 runs for Sri Lanka A. Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered an impressive century for India.
Winning the toss, the Indian team opted to bat first but had a shaky start. Opener Prabhsimran Singh was dismissed for just 2 runs, while Vaibhav Suryaanshi managed 14 runs before getting out. With India at 16 runs and two wickets down, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings, adding 53 runs for the third wicket. Arya scored 32 runs off 32 balls before being dismissed.
Gaikwad then partnered with captain Tilak Varma, forming a formidable fourth-wicket partnership of 150 runs. Gaikwad showcased his batting prowess, scoring a brilliant century. The right-handed batsman hit 101 runs off 114 balls, including 3 sixes and 6 fours. After facing criticism for his poor performance during the IPL, Gaikwad silenced his detractors with this stellar innings.
Tilak Varma contributed with a solid 60 runs off 97 balls. Ayush Badoni and Suryaansh Shedge chipped in with 24 and 26 runs, respectively. India A finished their innings at 277 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 50 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Mohammad Shiraz was the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets. Chamika Karunaratne, Garuka Sanketh, and Wanuda Sahan each took 1 wicket.
The Indian bowlers now face a tough challenge in the second innings. The team’s success will heavily rely on the performances of Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Vipraj Nigam, and Anukul Roy. If these bowlers perform to their potential, India could start the triangular series with a victory.
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