SLC XI vs IND: Jaiswal's fifty, Siraj's blitzkrieg set up 6-wicket win for India on Day 3

India secured a six-wicket win on Day 3 of the warm-up match against SLC XI on Sunday, August 9 at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo. Set a target of 207 runs in the fourth innings, India comfortably got over the line in 45 overs with crucial contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal (61* off 46) and Shubman Gill (44 off 54).

The duo stitched a century stand for the first wicket, setting up a good platform for the rest of the batters. In the end, a quick-fire cameo from Mohammed Siraj (32* off 15) helped India seal the victory just before the close of play.

Earlier, India declared their first innings heading into Day 3 on the overnight score of 357/6, trailing SLC XI by six runs. Indian bowlers put up an improved show in the second innings as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna removed Ravindu Rasantha (8 off 16) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara (4 off 7) respectively to leave SLC XI reeling at 26/2 in 7.3 overs.

After the early blows, Nishan Madushka (63 off 73) held the innings together with a half-century. He stitched a 51-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake (16 off 32), before Gurnoor Brar (2/37) removed the latter. Later, Anjala Bandara (35 off 48) and Madushka added 29 runs for the fourth wicket, until Madushka retired hurt.

Test series begins on August 15

Nipun Dhananjaya walked in at number six and made a crucial contribution to help his team reach the 200-run mark. He fell four runs short of his half-century, getting stumped against Ravindra Jadeja (2/33) for 46 (56). SLC XI eventually declared their innings on 200/6 after 45 overs to give Indian batters a stiff target to chase, which they happily accepted.

Meanwhile, after the conclusion of the warm-up fixture, India will lock horns with Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, beginning on Saturday, August 15.