Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi showed his prowess with the second new ball as his four-wicket burst put India A in the driver’s seat with a handsome overall lead of 170 runs against Sri Lanka A on the third day of the opening ‘Test’.
Starting the day at 113 for 2, Sri Lanka A were in a comfortable position, reaching 300 for 5, before Nabi bowled a charged-up spell with the second new ball to dismiss the hosts for 330. Nabi’s figures were 4 for 58 in 19.4 overs, helping India secure a substantial first-innings lead of 122 after scoring 452 for six in their first essay.
At stumps, India consolidated their position further, reaching 48 for no loss in the second innings, although opener and first-innings centurion Sai Sudharsan had to retire
hurt on 4. Fellow opener Ayush Pandey and stylish No. 3 Devdutt Padikkal were both at the crease, batting on 20 each.
On the fourth and final day, India could look to bat till lunch and set a target of around 300 before challenging the island nation in the remaining two sessions.
Earlier on Day 3, Ashen Bandara (70 off 162 balls) and skipper Sahan Arachchige (72 off 129 balls) looked very comfortable against both pacers and spinners during their 117-run third-wicket stand. At one point, Sri Lanka ‘A’ were 260 for 3 and not looking like losing a wicket.
In fact, Arachchige was severe on spinners Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey, picking up three sixes apart from five boundaries. However, Jain and Dubey had the last laugh, removing both, caught by Devdutt.
At 268 for 5, Anjala Bandara (15) and Ravindu Fernando (22) added 32 runs as India ‘A’ skipper Jurel waited for the second new Kookaburra. Once it was taken, Nabi dismissed both Bandara and Fernando, caught by Devdutt and Pandey.
Sri Lanka A then lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs. Nabi later returned to blow away the tail with incoming deliveries that trapped Chamika Gunasekhara and Dulaj Samudhita in front.
(With PTI Inputs)
