Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 as India mounted a strong response to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI on the second day of their three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on Saturday.
India ended day two on 357 for six in 90 overs, six runs short of Sri Lanka XI’s first innings total of 363 for eight declared, with the match finely balanced heading into the final day on Sunday.
After Sri Lanka XI declared at their overnight score, India suffered an early loss when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a two-ball duck, caught behind off pacer Vishwa Fernando.
With Shubman Gill absent due to a minor hand injury sustained during practice, Padikkal and KL Rahul took charge of rebuilding the innings, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. Rahul was eventually bowled by off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for 40 from 67 deliveries, making way for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Padikkal maintained control, confidently playing both pace and spin, reaching his century off 121 balls before retiring out at 103 to provide middle-order batsmen with time at the crease. He shared a 72-run partnership with Jadeja.
India then lost Rishabh Pant for two and Dhruv Jurel for one in quick succession to spin bowling, at 174 for four.
Jadeja and Manav Suthar steadied the innings with a 76-run stand. Jadeja scored a patient 63 from 117 balls before retiring out, while Suthar contributed 41 from 90 deliveries, helping India surpass 250 runs.
Asanka Manoj dismissed Suthar and Mohammed Siraj (one run from eight balls) during the 73rd over. Padikkal returned to bat and formed a 49-run partnership with Saransh Jain, who retired hurt on 22, taking India past 300.
Gurnoor Brar joined Padikkal and scored an unbeaten 36 from 18 balls, including four sixes off Dilum Sudeera in the final over of the day, to add a quick 51 runs for the last wicket.
Padikkal remained unbeaten on 142 at stumps. For Sri Lanka XI, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj took two wickets each.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka XI 363/8 declared; India 357/6 (Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Suthar 41, KL Rahul 40).