India endured a frustrating opening day in their three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, with the hosts finishing strongly on 363/8 in 90 overs after electing to bat first.
Despite picking up wickets at regular intervals in the final session, the Indian bowlers were made to work hard by several useful contributions from the Sri Lanka Cricket XI batters ahead of the first Test.
The hosts were handed a brisk start by Nishan Madushka, who smashed 66 off 65 balls, striking 11 fours and a six before being run out through a sharp piece of fielding involving Manav Suthar and KL Rahul. Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha put on 110 runs for the opening wicket to give the innings a solid platform.
Rasantha then anchored the innings with a composed 71 off 143 deliveries, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara (35), Pavan Rathnayake (39) and Ahan Wickramasinghe (31) ensured the scoreboard kept moving through the middle overs.
Captain Sonal Dinusha added further frustration for India with a valuable 52 off 71 balls, sharing important partnerships before Ramesh Mendis chipped in with a quick 32 lower down the order. By stumps, Keshara Nuwantha (9*) and Dilum Sudeera (1*) remained unbeaten.
India’s spin attack eventually restored some balance after a wicketless opening spell from the pace unit. Ravindra Jadeja claimed 2/64, dismissing Sooriyabandara and Mendis, while Kuldeep Yadav also picked up 2/76, removing Wickramasinghe and Anjala Bandara.
One of the standout performers for India was left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who impressed with 2/33 from 13 economical overs, including the crucial wicket of Dinusha. His tidy spell at an economy of just 2.53 was among the biggest positives for the visitors. Gurnoor Brar also contributed with the wicket of Rathnayake.
The seamers, however, found limited success. Mohammed Siraj (0/44 in 13 overs) and Prasidh Krishna (0/32 in 8 overs) were unable to make an early breakthrough as the Sri Lankan batters negotiated the new ball effectively.
While every frontline bowler apart from one was given an opportunity, Auqib Nabi was not asked to bowl at all during the day’s play. With India appearing keen to assess other pace options, the decision could indicate that Nabi is currently behind the pecking order and may not be in line for a Test debut in the opening match of the series.