Sai Sudharsan's century powers India A to dominant Day 1 against Sri Lanka A

Sai Sudharsan starred with a brilliant century on Day 1 of the unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A as India A finished on 333/4 on Day 1. Sudharsan brought up his ninth first-class century, scoring 132 (175) laced with 19 fours to put India on top on the opening day at Galle International Stadium, Galle.

After captain Dhruv Jurel opted to bat first, Sudharsan added 82 runs for the first wicket with Ayush Pandey, who fell to left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera for 25 in the 23rd over. Sudeera also accounted for Devdutt Padikkal for 12 (7), trapping him in front of the stumps to leave India on 96/2.

Ruturaj Gaikwad walked in to bat at number four to bide his time in the middle, while Sudharsan played a free-flowing innings. The duo stitched a 90-run partnership for the third wicket off just 127 deliveries, as Sudharsan completed his century off 130 balls to bring India A in a commanding position.

Ravindu Fernando struck for Sri Lanka, trapping Gaikwad in front of the stumps, who failed to convert his start and returned to the pavilion for 22 (53), leaving India on 181/3.

Jurel, Rasheed also hit half-centuries

However, Sai Sudharsan continued to build on his century, playing some classy strokes alongside Dhruv Jurel, until losing his wicket to Chamika Gunasekara. His dismissal brought Shaik Rasheed to the crease, and he, along with Jurel, ensured that Sri Lanka A were denied any opportunity of making further inroads into the Indian batting lineup.

Jurel (68*) and Rasheed (53*) added an unbeaten 116 runs for the fifth wicket to help India A finish the day on a high. For Sri Lanka A, Dilum Sudeera (2/98) was the standout bowler with two wickets, while Ravindu Fernando (1/87) and pacer Chamika Gunasekara (1/50) chipped in with one wicket each. The hosts also gave away 21 extras during the day, including a whopping 13 no-balls.