SL ‘A’ vs Ind ‘A’, 1st unofficial test- Mighty Indians massacre meek Sri Lankans

The moment since, Indians posted an enormous 622, with three centurions, it was too much of an ask, for the lacklustre Lankans, as they weakly surrendered, by an innings and 205-runs, inside three-days, on Monday (27), of the 1st unofficial test, in Belgaum, India.

Enforced on follow-on, it was only a deteriorated show, than the first essay, shot-out for a paltry 185. Batting again, in a bid to produce, an elusive draw, visitors had to overcome a disastrous start. Openers entered and exited, in quick succession. Royalist, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, escaped a pair, but made the scoreboard three-for-four.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, paused the procession, with a 48. Captain Ashan Priyaranjan, was stumped before he could get going on 39. Wicket-keeper batsman, Niroshan Dickwella, finished the match with 130, including fighting a century, in the first-innings. After that, it was a simple task, for the strong Indian bowlers, to crush the lower-order.

Mumbai Indians spinner, Rahul Chahar, wreaked havoc completing a match-haul of eight scalps.

The resumption of the second-day saw, Priyaranjan- Dickwella pair, anchoring for a while. Priyaranjan, was sent back a run short of a half-ton. However, Niroshan went on to score a spirited century from only 113-balls (15 4’s). But, he too, perished soon after, leaving Sri Lankans back in square one.

The balance of the batsman, got out quickly to help Indian’s bowlers cause.

The three centurions were instrumental, in placing the platform, for the stylish win, as the trio alone combined 509-runs. Including, a stellar double-ton from Abhimanyu Easwaran of 233 (22 4’s, three half-a-dozen) along with captain Priyank Panchal, having hammered a heroic 160, and Anmolpreet Singhdenting further damage with a 116.

The second and final the four-dayer, starts on May 31, in Hubli, India.

Brief scores:

India ‘A’: 1st innings: 622-5d. 142 overs. (Easwaran 233, Panchal 160, A Singh 116, V Fernando 2-83).

Sri Lanka ‘A’: 1st innings: 232 all out. 63.4 overs. (N Dickwella 103, A Priyaranjan 49, Chahar 4-78, S Dube 2-19).

Follow-on: 185- 10. (S Samarawickrama 48, A Priyaranjan 39, R Chahar 4-45, S Warrier 2-26).