Daijiworld Media Network - Galle
Galle, Jul 5: Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar produced a match-winning performance with a career-best ten-wicket haul as India A thrashed Sri Lanka A by ten wickets in the second unofficial Test on Sunday, clinching the two-match series 1-0.
Brar starred with remarkable figures of 10 for 145 in the match, following up his four wickets in the first innings with a devastating 6 for 68 in the second innings to dismantle the hosts' batting line-up.
Resuming the day at 541/8, India A added only two more wickets before declaring their innings. Left-arm spinner Keshara Nuwantha completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Yash Thakur, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had retired hurt on the previous day, did not resume his innings.
Holding a commanding 177-run first-innings lead, India A's pace attack wasted little time in tightening its grip on the match. Brar, supported by Aaqib Nabi Dar and Thakur, reduced Sri Lanka A to 49 for 4 inside the opening 11 overs.
The home side's only significant resistance came from Ashen Bandara, who played a spirited knock of 87 off 86 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes. He shared a 70-run partnership with Anjala Bandara, briefly reviving Sri Lanka A's hopes.
However, Brar returned for another incisive spell, dismissing both well-set batters in quick succession to leave the hosts struggling at 141 for 6. He then cleaned up the lower order to register his maiden six-wicket haul in first-class cricket, while off-spinner Saransh Jain claimed two wickets as Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 209.
Set a modest target of 33 runs, India A openers B Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade completed the chase comfortably in just 6.2 overs. Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 25, while Mokhade finished on 11 not out, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The triumph capped an impressive tour for India A, who added the unofficial Test series to the 50-over tri-series title they had already secured in Sri Lanka.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka A 366 & 209 (Ashen Bandara 87; Gurnoor Brar 6/68, Saransh Jain 2/66) lost to India A 543/9 declared & 36/0 (B Sai Sudharsan 25 not out, Aman Mokhade 11 not out) by 10 wickets.