New Delhi: India A began their Tri-Nation A Series campaign on a winning note with an exciting eight-run victory over Sri Lanka A at the Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a match-winning century from Ruturaj Gaikwad.
After being asked to bat first, India A posted a competitive 277/8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Gaikwad leading the charge with a composed 101-run knock. The visitors then produced a collective bowling effort to bowl out Sri Lanka A for 269 in 48.5 overs.
India A suffered an early setback when teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi departed for 14, followed by Prabhsimran Singh, who managed just two runs. Gaikwad and Priyansh Arya steadied the innings with a crucial partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad then combined with captain Tilak Varma to rebuild the innings. While Tilak contributed a patient 60, Gaikwad reached his century before being dismissed shortly after. Valuable lower-order contributions ensured India A crossed the 275-run mark.
In reply, Sri Lanka A got off to a flying start through Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando, who added 93 runs for the opening wicket. However, all-rounder Ayush Badoni struck twice to bring India back into the contest.
A strong partnership between Sameera Samarawickrama and skipper Sahan Arachchige threatened to take the game away from India, but the visitors responded through Anukul Roy and Vipraj Nigam, who picked up key wickets at crucial stages.
With Sri Lanka A closing in on the target, India held their nerve in the final overs. Arshad Khan claimed the last wicket to seal a hard-fought victory and give India A a perfect start to the tournament.