Indian openers hit quick runs before upcoming Test matches

Indian cricket stars easily chased down a target of 207 runs to defeat Sri Lanka Cricket XI in their final tour match in Colombo. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal built a solid 105-run opening partnership to secure the victory. This practice game serves as vital preparation for the visitors, as India looks to maintain their strong historical record in Sri Lanka ahead of the first Test on August 15. Both teams batted exactly 90 overs in their first innings and 45 overs in the second, creating perfect symmetry on the field.

Openers find quick form

Gill brushed off a recent finger injury to score a quick 44 runs from 54 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries. He opened the batting with Jaiswal and looked very comfortable at the crease. Jaiswal also took full advantage of his time on the field. He missed the recent tours of the UK and Zimbabwe but looked sharp here, blasting 61 runs off just 46 balls. His innings included nine fours and two sixes before team management decided to retire him out.

Middle order gets time before Siraj finishes

Rishabh Pant came in next and started slowly, facing 21 dot balls before opening his account with a six. He built a 45-run stand in eight overs alongside Dhruv Jurel. Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar spent some brief time batting, retiring out for 22 and 4 runs respectively. Suthar is currently trying to secure his spot as the third spinner for the upcoming series. Mohammed Siraj then provided unexpected entertainment. He smashed three consecutive sixes to finish unbeaten on 32 and win the game.

Bowlers secure early breakthroughs

Earlier in the day, Indian pace bowlers tested the local batters with disciplined lines. Siraj used the new ball effectively, taking out Ravindu Rasantha with sharp extra bounce after hitting his fingers. Prasidh Krishna also bowled well, dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara and leaving the home side struggling at 21 for two. Nishan Fernando steadied the Sri Lankan innings, playing smart cricket to score 63 off 73 deliveries before retiring out. He built fifty-run partnerships with both Pavan Rathnayake and Anjala Bandara. Bandara played aggressively against the spinners, hitting three boundaries in his first ten balls. The Indian fielding unit ultimately held strong before the hosts declared at tea.

Image Courtesy: ANI