Captain Dhruv Jurel (31*) and Shaik Rasheed (13*) continue to steer India A forward as the visitors cross the 250-run mark in Galle. The pair has put together an unbeaten 34-run stand for the fifth wicket, keeping the scoreboard ticking after Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal.
India A 251/4 after 62.3 overs
BIG WICKET! Sri Lanka A finally break through as Chamika Gunasekara removes centurion Sai Sudharsan for a magnificent 132, leaving India A four down.
Sudharsan’s superb knock came off 175 balls and featured 19 boundaries. Before his dismissal in the 53rd over, he stitched together a 35-run partnership with skipper Dhruv Jurel (15*), helping India A cross the 200-run mark.
With Sudharsan back in the pavilion, Shaik Rasheed walks out to the crease to join Jurel.
India A: 217/4 after 53 overs.
Sai Sudharsan’s magnificent unbeaten century ensured India A remained firmly in command as they reached 199/3 at tea.
The left-hander continued his dominance through the second session, moving to an unbeaten 121 off 161 deliveries.
WICKET!
Sri Lanka A finally managed to break the threatening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with off-spinner Ravindu Fernando striking shortly after the stand had put India A firmly in control in Galle.
Gaikwad, who had played a patient supporting role, was trapped lbw by Fernando for 22 off 53 balls in the opening delivery of the 46th over. The dismissal ended a valuable 88-run partnership for the third wicket that had steadied India A after the earlier loss of Devdutt Padikkal at 96/2.
Captain Dhruv Jurel joined Sudharsan at the crease and got off the mark quickly. With plenty of overs remaining in the day, India A will aim to build further on their strong platform.
Sai Sudharsan continued his impressive run with the bat. India A reached 180/2 after 44.2 overs.
Fresh from a superb century earlier in the session, Sudharsan looked completely at ease at the crease, moving to an unbeaten 114 off 150 deliveries. The left-hander combined patience with elegant strokeplay, striking 16 boundaries and ensuring India A remained firmly in control. Having survived the testing early conditions, he has now turned his attention towards converting the hundred into a much bigger score.
Sudharsan’s partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad has been the defining feature of the post-lunch session. The duo have added an unbroken 89 runs for the third wicket after India A slipped to 96/2 following the dismissal of Devdutt Padikkal. Their stand has not only repaired the innings but also denied Sri Lanka A any chance of building pressure.
While Sudharsan dominated the scoring, Gaikwad played the ideal supporting role. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 21 from 51 balls, showing patience and sound technique as he settled into the innings.
Sri Lanka A’s bowlers struggled to make further inroads despite regular bowling changes. Dilum Sudeera remains their most successful bowler with figures of 2/48, but the hosts have been unable to break the growing Sudharsan-Gaikwad partnership as India A marched to 180/2.
CENTURY!
Sai Sudharsan produced a masterclass in patience and strokeplay, bringing up a superb century to put India A firmly in control against Sri Lanka A.
The left-hander reached the three-figure mark in 130 deliveries, raising his bat after a composed innings that underlined his growing reputation as one of India’s most dependable young batters. Sudharsan got to his hundred with a single off Dilum Sudeera and celebrated a knock that was built on discipline, temperament and timely aggression.
After surviving a testing opening spell in which runs were difficult to come by, Sudharsan gradually took charge of the innings. He punished loose deliveries and rotated the strike smartly, finding the boundary 15 times during his stay at the crease. His innings gathered momentum after lunch as he moved through the gears without taking undue risks.
Having shared an 82-run opening stand with Ayush Pandey, Sudharsan then combined with Ruturaj Gaikwad to add an unbeaten 77 runs for the third wicket. The partnership ensured Sri Lanka A were unable to capitalise on the wickets of Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal.
At drinks in the second session, India A were strongly placed at 168/2 in 40.4 overs. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 106 off 136 balls, while Gaikwad was batting on 18, with the visitors looking set to build a substantial first-innings total.
Sai Sudharsan and Ruturaj Gaikwad brought up a valuable fifty-run partnership as India A continued to strengthen their position against Sri Lanka A.
After Sri Lanka A struck twice to reduce India A to 96/2, the pair joined forces and ensured there were no further setbacks. Their unbroken stand crossed the 50-run mark in just 72 deliveries, helping India A reach 143/2 after 36 overs.
Sudharsan remained the cornerstone of the innings, batting with remarkable composure and confidence. The left-hander moved to an unbeaten 84 off 116 balls, laced with 12 boundaries, and edged closer to a well-deserved century. He continued to punish loose deliveries while rotating the strike effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Gaikwad, meanwhile, settled in after a cautious start and began to look more fluent as the partnership developed. The right-hander reached 16 not out from 33 balls and broke the shackles with a boundary off Chamika Gunasekara in the 36th over. He also rotated the strike well, allowing the partnership to gather momentum.
The duo’s stand has helped India A regain complete control after the loss of Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal. With 54 overs still remaining in the day and Sudharsan closing in on three figures, India A are well placed at 143/2 and will look to build a substantial first-innings total.
Sai Sudharsan continued to anchor India A’s innings with a classy knock as the visitors reached 135/2 after 35 overs.
The left-hander looked in complete control, moving to an unbeaten 82 off 114 deliveries and putting himself in a strong position to register a deserved century. Having already brought up his half-century before lunch, Sudharsan carried on with the same composure in the second session, mixing solid defence with timely boundaries.
Sri Lanka A enjoyed some success after the break, reducing India A to 110/2. Left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera emerged as the key wicket-taker for the hosts, claiming both wickets and finishing his spell so far with figures of 2/28 from seven overs. However, despite the breakthroughs, Sri Lanka A were unable to dislodge Sudharsan, who remained the dominant figure at the crease.
The Tamil Nadu batter kept the scoreboard moving with regular boundaries, including crisp fours off both Sudeera and Kavindu Pathiratne. His strokeplay ensured India A maintained control despite losing wickets at the other end.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, batting alongside Sudharsan, adopted a cautious approach and was unbeaten on 10 from 29 balls. The pair have steadied the innings following the wickets and added valuable runs in a rebuilding effort.
With Sudharsan approaching three figures, India A remain well placed at 135/2.
India A suffered a setback just as they were looking to accelerate, with Devdutt Padikkal falling for a brisk 12 off 7 balls
Padikkal made an immediate impact after arriving at the crease, striking a four and a six in his short stay. He looked set for a bigger score when he launched Dilum Sudeera over the ropes, but the left-arm spinner hit back straight away.
Attempting to keep up the aggressive approach, Padikkal was trapped lbw by Sudeera and had to walk back after a promising cameo.
The wicket left India A at 96/2 in the 25th over, with Ruturaj Gaikwad joining Sai Sudharsan in the middle.
Earlier, Sudharsan brought up a composed half-century and continued to anchor the innings after India A captain Dhruv Jurel opted to bat first. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 55 and was looking well set to convert his start into a bigger score.
Sai Sudharsan’s unbeaten half-century guided India A to 82/1 at lunch on the opening day of the first Unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A.
After captain Dhruv Jurel won the toss and opted to bat, India A’s openers laid a strong platform through an 82-run partnership. Sudharsan led the charge with a composed unbeaten 53 off 77 balls, striking eight boundaries and showing excellent patience after a watchful start. At the other end, Ayush Pandey played a valuable supporting role, scoring 25 from 64 deliveries with three fours.
The Indian openers frustrated Sri Lanka A’s bowlers for most of the morning session, negotiating the new ball comfortably and gradually increasing the scoring rate. Their partnership ensured India A remained in control after a cautious beginning.
Sri Lanka A finally earned a breakthrough just before lunch when left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera struck in his first over. Pandey attempted an attacking shot but was caught by Ravindu Fernando, ending the opening stand at 82. The wicket provided the hosts with a much-needed boost after a wicketless morning.
Sudharsan, however, remained firm at the crease and will look to convert his fifty into a bigger score in the post-lunch session. With 67 overs remaining in the day, India A are well placed at 82/1 and will aim to build on their solid start.
Sri Lanka A finally found the breakthrough they had been searching for after India A’s openers Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey stitched together a solid 82-run partnership.
The hosts turned to left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera in the 23rd over, and the move paid immediate dividends. Sudeera struck in his very first over, dismissing Ayush Pandey for a patient 25 off 64 balls. Looking to keep the scoreboard moving, Pandey went for an attacking shot but was caught by Ravindu Fernando, bringing an end to a resilient opening stand that had frustrated Sri Lanka A for much of the morning session.
Pandey’s knock featured three boundaries and was built on discipline and determination. He played the perfect supporting role alongside the more fluent Sudharsan, helping India A negotiate the new ball and establish a strong foundation after captain Dhruv Jurel opted to bat first.
Before the wicket, Sudharsan had reached his half-century with a composed innings that showcased both patience and strokeplay. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 53 and continued to anchor the innings after his partner’s departure.
At 82/1, India A remained in a strong position despite losing their first wicket. However, Sri Lanka A will hope Sudeera’s breakthrough opens the door for more wickets as the match progresses.
Sai Sudharsan slams half century off 69 balls
Superb knock from the left-hander.
Sai Sudharsan moved within touching distance of a half-century as India A continued to dominate the opening session.
The left-handed opener looked increasingly assured at the crease, building on his solid start and punishing any loose deliveries. Sudharsan was unbeaten on 47 off 66 balls at the end of the 20th over, just three runs short of a well-crafted fifty. His innings featured a series of well-timed boundaries and excellent strike rotation as he anchored the Indian innings.
After helping India A cross the 50-run mark, Sudharsan accelerated further. He collected a boundary off Ravindu Fernando in the 18th over before following it up with another four against Dulaj Samuditha in the next over. Those strokes took him into the forties and kept Sri Lanka A’s bowlers under pressure.
Ayush Pandey provided strong support at the other end with a patient unbeaten 23 from 57 deliveries. The opener showed impressive concentration and added a valuable boundary off Samuditha while continuing to build a solid partnership with Sudharsan.
The duo’s unbroken stand frustrated the Sri Lankan attack, which failed to create any significant chances despite regularly changing bowlers. At lunch approaching, India A were comfortably placed at 74/0, with Sudharsan closing in on a deserved half-century.
India A brought up their 50 without loss in 15 overs as openers Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey continued to frustrate Sri Lanka A.
After a cautious start against the new ball, the Indian pair settled into a steady rhythm and ensured the hosts were made to work hard for every opportunity. The opening stand crossed the fifty-run mark in the 15th over, providing India A with a solid platform after captain Dhruv Jurel elected to bat first.
Sai Sudharsan was the more fluent of the two batters and looked increasingly comfortable as the innings progressed. The left-hander found the boundary regularly, particularly against Chamika Gunasekara. He struck two consecutive fours in the 11th over and repeated the feat in the 15th, driving and placing the ball confidently to keep the scoreboard moving.
Ayush Pandey, meanwhile, played the supporting role with a patient knock. The right-hander showed excellent discipline, leaving well and defending resolutely while rotating the strike whenever possible. Although boundaries were hard to come by, his ability to occupy the crease allowed Sudharsan to play more freely.
At the end of 15 overs, India A were 51/0, with Sudharsan unbeaten on 34 from 50 balls and Pandey batting on 13 from 43 deliveries.
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India A weathered the early storm to reach 31 without loss in 10 overs against Sri Lanka A on the opening morning.
After a watchful start that saw the first three overs produce no runs, openers Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey gradually settled in and began to find boundaries. The pair showed patience against a disciplined new-ball attack led by Dulaj Samuditha and Kavindu Pathiratne, who kept things tight in the opening exchanges.
Sudharsan was the first to break free, collecting a boundary off Pathiratne in the sixth over to get India A moving. Ayush followed suit in the next over, striking back-to-back fours off Samuditha to shift the momentum in India’s favour. The two boundaries helped India A move from a cautious start to a more comfortable position without taking undue risks.
Sri Lanka A introduced Chamika Gunasekara into the attack in the ninth over, but Sudharsan welcomed him with a crisp boundary and added a single to keep the scoreboard ticking. While the scoring rate remained modest, the Indian openers frustrated the hosts by denying them an early breakthrough.
At the 10-over mark, Sudharsan was unbeaten on 16 off 34 balls, while Ayush had compiled 11 from 29 deliveries as India A reached 31/0.
First boundary for India A
Sai Sudharsan sends Kavindu Pathiratne for a boundary. The boundary came in 5.5 over.
Cautious start by India A.
INDIA A 15/0 in 6 oves
Ayush Pandey 3*, Sai Sudharsan 10*
India A made a cautious start after captain Dhruv Jurel won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka A in the opening Unofficial Test at Galle on Thursday.
Openers Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey found runs hard to come by against a disciplined Sri Lanka A pace attack. After five overs, India A were 9 without loss, with both batters focusing on seeing off the new ball rather than taking risks.
Sri Lanka A bowlers Dulaj Samuditha and Kavindu Pathiratne maintained a tight line and length, not allowing the Indian openers any scoring opportunities early on. Samuditha bowled three overs for just five runs and kept Sudharsan under pressure with a maiden-filled spell. Pathiratne was equally economical, conceding only four runs from his two overs despite bowling two no-balls.
The first three overs of the innings produced no runs, highlighting the challenging conditions and disciplined bowling. Sudharsan eventually broke the shackles with a three-run shot off Samuditha in the fifth over before rotating the strike with a single. Ayush Pandey also got off the mark with a single later in the over.
At the end of five overs, Sudharsan was unbeaten on 5 off 17 balls, while Pandey was batting on 2 off 15 deliveries as India A looked to build a solid foundation.
India A captain Dhruv Jurel won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka A in the opening Unofficial Test at Galle on Thursday.
The match gives several India A players an opportunity to impress in red-ball cricket, with Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and skipper Jurel featuring in the batting line-up. Fast bowlers Auqib Nabi Dar, Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur will lead the pace attack.
Sri Lanka A, led by Sahan Arachchige, included experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella in their playing XI.
India A Playing XI: Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel (captain & wicketkeeper), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar.
Sri Lanka A Playing XI: Pawantha Weerasinghe, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (captain), Ravindu Fernando, Anjala Bandara, Kavindu Pathiratne, Dulaj Samuditha, Chamika Gunasekara, Dilum Sudeera.
India A openers Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey are at the crease
Dulaj Samuditha will open the attack for Sri Lanka A
Here we go … !!
Sri Lanka A (Playing XI)
Pawantha Weerasinghe, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige(c), Ravindu Fernando, Anjala Bandara, Kavindu Pathiratne, Dulaj Samuditha, Chamika Gunasekara, Dilum Sudeera
India A (Playing XI)
Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel(w/c), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar
TOSS:
India A captain Dhruv Jurel wins toss, opts to bat vs Sri Lanka A in Galle
Sri Lanka A vs India A Unofficial Test 2026 schedule
First Unofficial Test
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Second Unofficial Test
Date: July 2-5, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
The series also presents a valuable opportunity for several fringe players and established performers. Apart from skipper Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal will look to bolster their credentials in the race for a top-order berth. Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, seeking redemption after a difficult Test debut in England last year, and recent ODI debutant Harsh Dubey are also part of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurnoor Brar add further depth to a side brimming with talent and ambition.
The red-ball assignment follows the limited-overs leg of the tour and will serve as an important platform for players pushing for places in India’s senior setup. With conditions in Sri Lanka traditionally rewarding spin, patience and discipline, the unofficial Tests are expected to provide a valuable learning experience and a meaningful gauge of the squad’s readiness for the next level.
India A’s tour of Sri Lanka enters its multi-day phase with the start of a two-match unofficial Test series, offering several emerging stars a golden opportunity to strengthen their claims for higher honours in red-ball cricket. Led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, India A will take on Sri Lanka A in a pair of matches expected to provide a stern examination of the visitors’ long-format credentials.
Pacer Aquib Nabi will be among those eager to make a strong statement when the series begins in Galle on Thursday. Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets during Jammu & Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph, was overlooked for India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that sparked debate among fans and experts. Strong performances in Sri Lanka could further strengthen his case for national selection, especially with India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, where seam-friendly conditions could suit his style of bowling.
Sri Lanka A Squad
Niroshan Dickwella(w), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige(c), Pawantha Weerasinghe, Dilum Sudeera, Ravindu Fernando, Keshara Nuwantha, Kavindu Pathiratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Dulaj Samuditha, Praveen Maneesha, Asanka Manoj, Sohan de Livera, Chamika Gunasekara, Ahan Wickramasinghe
Dhruv Jurel (captain & wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Aquib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed and Zeeshan Ansari.
India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel will captain the side in both matches. The squad also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain and wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan.
Pacer Anshul Kamboj, who endured a difficult Test debut in England last year, will be hoping for a strong performance to revive his red-ball prospects.
The series could prove equally important for batter Sai Sudharsan, who will be looking to spend time in the middle and regain momentum ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignments.
Sudharsan remains in contention for a place in the Test XI and will be eager to strengthen his credentials with substantial scores.
Devdutt Padikkal, who did not feature in the Afghanistan Test, is also part of the squad and continues to compete for a spot in the batting order.
Also in the India A squad is left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar, who recently impressed on his ODI debut against Afghanistan.
While the Sri Lankan pitches are expected to assist spinners more than fast bowlers, Brar will be keen to make an impact and remain in contention for a place in the senior setup.
The Sri Lanka tour now offers Nabi another chance to push his case for higher honours. A strong showing in challenging overseas conditions could make it difficult for selectors to ignore him in future Test plans.
With India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, Nabi’s ability to generate movement and extract assistance from seaming conditions could work in his favour.
Fast bowler Aquib Nabi will be among the players under the spotlight when India A take on Sri Lanka A in the first of two multi-day matches in Galle on Thursday.
The Jammu & Kashmir pacer earned widespread praise after playing a key role in his state’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph, finishing the season with 60 wickets. However, his omission from the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan raised eyebrows among fans and former cricketers.
Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of 1st Unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.
The match will start at 10 AM IST.
The toss will take place at 9:30 AM IST.
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