India Beats Sri Lanka 11 In Warmup Match as the Indian team defeated Sri Lanka Cricket XI by six wickets in a practice game in Colombo ahead of the upcoming Test series. Mohammed Siraj produced an unusual finish to the contest, smashing three consecutive sixes to take India across the winning target.
India needed only 16 runs to win when the final day’s play was nearing its conclusion on Sunday. With the match entering its final moments, Siraj took charge with the bat. He hit Sri Lanka Cricket XI bowler Keshara Nuwantha for three sixes in the first three deliveries of the over, bringing the game to an immediate end from India’s perspective.
The victory also gave India an important opportunity to assess its players and combinations before the Test series begins. Captain Shubman Gill, who was returning after recovering from a finger injury, also made his presence felt with a 44-run innings.
Shubman Gill Returns With 44 Runs
Gill’s return was one of the biggest talking points from India’s warm-up match. The Indian captain had suffered a finger injury during a training session before the practice game and was kept away from the field for the opening two days as a precaution.
Once he returned to action, Gill looked comfortable with the bat and scored 44 runs. He also shared a valuable 105-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, giving India a strong start during the chase.
Gill had missed India’s first innings with the bat, while KL Rahul took over the captaincy in his absence. The management was cautious with Gill following his injury, but his appearance on the final day provided a positive sign ahead of the Test series.
Why Did The Match Continue After India Won?
A notable aspect of the game was that play continued even after India had officially reached the target. This is because a practice match does not carry the same competitive result as a Test, ODI or tournament fixture.
The main purpose of such games is to help players adjust to local conditions, understand the pitch and get valuable time in the middle before an important series.
After India reached the required score, the umpires allowed Keshara Nuwantha to complete his over. Siraj, who had already hit three consecutive sixes, played out the remaining three deliveries.
Practice matches can also have different playing arrangements from official international games. Teams can use their available squad members to provide maximum match practice. Even after reaching a target, a side may continue batting for the agreed number of overs if that has been decided before the game.
Devdutt Padikkal Stars With Unbeaten 142
India’s first innings was dominated by Devdutt Padikkal, who produced an impressive unbeaten 142. India declared at 357/6 after batting for 90 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja contributed 63 runs, while KL Rahul scored 40. Manav Suthar added 41 runs and Gurnoor Brar remained unbeaten on 36.
For Sri Lanka Cricket XI, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj took two wickets each. Vishwa Fernando and Keshara Nuwantha picked up one wicket apiece.
Padikkal’s century-plus innings was particularly valuable for India as the team looked to give its batters extended time in the middle before moving into the more demanding Test environment.
Sri Lanka Cricket XI Declared At 200/6
After India declared its first innings, Sri Lanka Cricket XI also chose to declare its second innings at 200/6 after 45 overs.
Nishan Fernando was the top scorer with 63 runs. Nipun Dhananjaya added 46, while Anjala Bandara contributed 35. Ramesh Mendis finished unbeaten on 16.
India’s bowling attack shared the workload. Ravindra Jadeja and Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took one wicket apiece.
Sri Lanka’s second-innings declaration left India with a target of 207 runs. India successfully chased it down by losing four wickets, with Siraj providing the memorable finishing touch.
Gill Had Suffered Finger Injury During Training
Gill’s participation in the match was uncertain after he injured a finger on his right hand during India’s practice session on Thursday, just a day before the warm-up game began.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India had confirmed that the injury was being handled cautiously and that Gill would not take the field on the opening day of the practice match.
As a result, KL Rahul led the side during Gill’s absence. Gill also did not bat during India’s first innings. His return on the final day and his 44-run contribution will therefore be encouraging for the Indian camp.
Also read: Aqib Nabi Replaces Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour, Earns Maiden Call-Up
India Still Dealing With Injury Concerns
Despite winning the warm-up game, India continues to deal with injury concerns before its World Test Championship campaign resumes in Galle next week.
Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar have already been ruled out because of injuries. Their absence could have an impact on India’s team combination as the side prepares for the upcoming Test assignment.
The practice match in Colombo therefore served more than just a preparation purpose. It gave the Indian management an opportunity to assess players, provide match time to returning members and test the squad’s readiness under Sri Lankan conditions.
With Gill back on the field, Padikkal producing a superb unbeaten 142 and Siraj finishing the chase in spectacular fashion, India will take several positives from the warm-up victory. The focus will now shift to the Test series, where the intensity and stakes will be considerably higher.
