Rain brought an early end to Day 2 of the first Unofficial Test in Galle, with India A in a commanding position at 381 for five after 99 overs against Sri Lanka A. Captain Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 97 off 177 balls, three runs short of a century, anchoring the innings with patience and discipline.
Jurel found solid support from Harsh Dubey, who stayed unbeaten on seven off 18 deliveries, including one boundary, as the pair navigated the Sri Lanka A attack led by Chamika Gunasekara and Dilum Sudeera. Earlier in the session, Shaik Rasheed fell for a composed 63 off 113 balls, bowled by Gunasekara, ending a crucial partnership with Jurel that had steadied the innings. Rasheed's knock featured five boundaries.
The wicket left India A at 353 for five in 92.2 overs, but the team maintained control. Jurel and Rasheed had earlier added more than 100 runs for the fourth wicket, rotating strike effectively against the hosts' spinners. Jurel struck six fours in his innings, while Rasheed hit four.
With five wickets still in hand, India A are well placed to push their first-innings total beyond 400 when play resumes, weather permitting. Sri Lanka A's bowlers toiled hard but found little assistance on a slow pitch. The two-match series continues as India A look to build on this strong foundation.
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📰 Source: TOI Sports