India A vs Sri Lanka Unofficial Test: Dhruv Jurel and Shaik Rasheed hold the key as India push for total command on Day 2

Day 1 Recap

India A finished the opening day on 333/4 in 86 overs, with Sai Sudharsan producing a classy century to lay the foundation for a dominant total. After the top order did their job, captain Dhruv Jurel (57)* and Shaik Rasheed (48)* frustrated the hosts with an unbeaten 98-run partnership, ensuring that India A ended the day firmly in control.

For Sri Lanka A, left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera claimed the first wicket by dismissing opener Ayush Pandey (25), but the hosts struggled to make further inroads as India’s middle order batted with discipline and composure.

Day 2 Outlook

India A will aim to capitalize on their strong position by extending the Jurel-Rasheed partnership past the 100-run mark in the morning session. With plenty of batting yet to come, the visitors will see a first innings total in excess of 500 before unleashing their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka A, meanwhile, desperately needed early wickets to prevent India A from amassing a hefty score. The first hour with the relatively newer ball could be crucial if the hosts are to claw their way back into the contest.

Pitch Report

The Galle International Stadium surface is expected to be batting friendly during the opening sessions of Day 2, offering good pace and delivery. However, as the match progresses and the marks become more pronounced, the pitch is likely to help spinners with increased turn and variable bounce, making batting progressively more challenging later in the game.

Sri Lanka A (match 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 (JEC 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