s debut appearance for India A in the 50-over format ended with just 14 runs, but his team fought tenaciously to secure an eight-run victory over a self-destructing Sri Lanka A side in Tuesday`s tri-series opener.
Chasing a target of 278, Sri Lanka A appeared entirely in control of the chase, powered by a brilliant 74 off 72 deliveries from skipper Sahan Arachchige. However, a late collapse saw the visitors lose their final four wickets in the space of just 10 balls. This included a three-wicket haul in the final over by Arshad Khan, handing India A a dramatic win.
Earlier in the day, anchored the Indian innings with a sensational 101, guiding the team to a total of 277 for six. During the chase, Ayush Badoni (2/46) and Anukul Roy (2/49) proved crucial in pulling India back into the game after the opening fast bowlers struggled with their economies early on.
Arachchige had brought his team to the brink of a successful chase before getting bowled by a precise yorker from Anshul Kamboj. A string of poor shot choices from the remaining lower order ultimately gifted the Tilak Varma-led Indian team a narrow victory. India A will now look ahead to their upcoming fixture against Afghanistan A on June 11.
The match also featured a return to action for Niroshan Dickwella (47), who put together a 93-run opening partnership with Avishka Fernando (45). Both Sri Lankan star batters lost their wickets to Badoni.
Gaikwad and Varma steady the ship after early wickets fall
Choosing to bat first, India A initially found themselves in trouble at 16 for two within five overs following the early departures of Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh. However, Gaikwad scored his 21st List A century, combining with (60) for a vital 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
While the attention was towards teenage prodigy Sooryavanshi, his bright start of three boundaries was cut short by Mohamed Shiraz. In the death overs, contributions from Badoni (24) and Suryansh Shedge (26 ) successfully pushed India past the 270 mark.