Sai Sudharsan struck a fluent century before captain Dhruv Jurel and Shaikh Rasheed combined for an unbeaten century partnership as India A enjoyed a productive opening day against Sri Lanka A in the first unofficial four-day Test in Galle on Thursday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India A finished Day 1 in a strong position at 333/4, with skipper Jurel unbeaten on 68 and Rasheed providing solid support on 53 not out.
Sudharsan laid the foundation for the visitors with a composed knock of 132 off 175 deliveries, studded with 19 boundaries. The left-hander continued his impressive run of form and anchored the innings through the middle session after India A made a steady start.
Opening alongside Aayush Pandey, Sudharsan added 82 runs for the first wicket before Pandey departed for 25 off 64 balls.
India A then suffered a couple of setbacks as Devdutt Padikkal fell for a quickfire 12, while Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 22, leaving the visitors at 181/3 despite a promising start.
Sudharsan, however, ensured the innings did not lose momentum. Mixing patience with positive strokeplay, he kept the scoreboard ticking and brought up a well-crafted century before eventually falling for 132 with the score on 217. His innings came at a strike rate of over 75 and featured 19 fours.
With Sri Lanka A sensing an opening after Sudharsan’s dismissal, Jurel and Rasheed shut the door firmly.
The pair batted with maturity and control, stitching together an unbeaten 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steer India A to a commanding position by stumps.
Jurel led from the front with a composed 68 not out off 138 deliveries, hitting five boundaries, while Rasheed remained unbeaten on 53 from 92 balls with four fours.
For Sri Lanka A, Dilum Sudeera was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/98, while Chamika Gunasekara claimed the prized wicket of Sudharsan.
With six wickets still in hand and two well-set batters at the crease, India A will look to build a substantial first-innings total when play resumes on Day 2.