Daijiworld Media Network - Galle
Galle, Jun 27: Fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar produced an impressive four-wicket spell as India A tightened their grip on the opening four-day match against Sri Lanka A, taking a commanding 170-run overall lead at the close of play on the third day on Saturday.
After posting a formidable 452 for 6 declared in the first innings, India A bowled out the hosts for 330, securing a first-innings lead of 122 runs. By stumps, the visitors had extended their advantage to 170 runs after reaching 48 without loss in their second innings.
Sai Sudharsan, who struck a century in the first innings, retired hurt after scoring seven in the second essay. Devdutt Padikkal (20 not out) and Ayush Pandey (20 not out) safely negotiated the remaining overs to leave India A in a dominant position heading into the final day.
Resuming from 113 for 2, Sri Lanka A mounted a spirited fightback through Nuwanidu Fernando and Ashen Bandara, who stitched together a 105-run partnership for the third wicket. Nuwanidu appeared set for a century before Yash Thakur dismissed him for 84.
Captain Sahan Arachchige then joined Bandara to continue the recovery. The pair frustrated the Indian attack with a 117-run stand, taking Sri Lanka A past the 200-run mark. Arachchige played positively against the spinners and reached his half-century with two sixes off Harsh Dubey.
India A eventually broke the momentum through spin. Saransh Jain dismissed Bandara for 70 with Devdutt Padikkal taking a sharp catch, before left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey removed Arachchige for 72, again with Padikkal completing the catch.
Although Ravindu Fernando and Anjala Bandara added useful runs to push Sri Lanka A beyond 300, Auqib Nabi turned the tide before tea by striking twice in quick succession to leave the hosts struggling at 315 for 7.
After the interval, Dubey removed Kavindu Pathiratne, while Nabi wrapped up the innings by dismissing Chamika Gunasekara and Dulaj Samudhita in successive deliveries. The pacer finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 58, strengthening his case ahead of India's two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka in August.
Brief Scores:
India A: 452/6 declared and 48/0 in 17 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 20 not out, Ayush Pandey 20 not out)
Sri Lanka A: 330 all out in 101.4 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 84, Sahan Arachchige 72, Ashen Bandara 70; Auqib Nabi Dar 4/58)
India A lead by 170 runs.