India A vs Sri Lanka A Highlights Gaikwad Century Seals Win

India A vs Sri Lanka A Highlights Ruturaj Gaikwad Century Powers Thrilling Eight Run Victory

India A won by 8 runs

INDA

277/6(50)

SLA

269(48.5)

India A kicked off their Tri-Nation Series 2026 campaign with a thrilling eight-run victory over Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday. In a contest that swung dramatically throughout the day, Ruturaj Gaikwad's magnificent century and a remarkable late bowling effort helped India A snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The opening match of the tournament featured outstanding individual performances, tense moments, and a dramatic collapse that ultimately handed India A a memorable win.

Gaikwad Anchors India A Recovery

After winning the toss and opting to bat, India A endured a difficult start. Highly-rated youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showed glimpses of his talent with 14 runs but departed early. Prabhsimran Singh also failed to make an impact, leaving India A struggling at 17/2.

The pressure was firmly on vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who responded with a captain's knock despite not leading the side. The right-hander displayed patience and class, rebuilding the innings alongside Priyansh Arya before forming the most important partnership of the match with skipper Tilak Varma.

Gaikwad's 101 off 114 balls included six boundaries and three sixes. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate at the right moments helped India A regain control after the early setbacks.

Tilak Varma complemented him perfectly with a composed 60-run innings. The duo added a crucial 150-run stand that laid the foundation for a competitive total.

Late Fireworks Push India A to 277

Once Gaikwad completed his century and departed, Ayush Badoni and Suryansh Shedge provided the finishing touch.

Badoni contributed a valuable 24, while Shedge's explosive unbeaten 26 from just 14 deliveries shifted the momentum decisively. His aggressive hitting in the final overs helped India A finish with 277/6 from their 50 overs.

For Sri Lanka A, Mohamed Shiraz was the standout bowler with two wickets, while the spinners managed to slow down scoring during the middle overs.

Sri Lanka A Dominate the Chase

Chasing 278, Sri Lanka A looked comfortable for most of the innings. Openers Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando provided an excellent start, putting pressure on the Indian bowling attack.

Dickwella scored 47 while Fernando added 45, guiding the hosts to 91 without loss. At that stage, Sri Lanka A appeared firmly in control of the chase.

However, the introduction of spin completely changed the complexion of the match.

Ayush Badoni struck twice to remove both openers, while leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Nuwanidu Fernando.

Dramatic Collapse Hands India A Victory

Even after losing early wickets, Sri Lanka A remained favourites thanks to Sahan Arachchige and Sadeera Samarawickrama. The pair rebuilt the innings and steadily moved closer to the target.

Sahan played a brilliant knock of 74 and seemed set to guide his team home. But India's bowlers held their nerve during the final overs.

Anukul Roy, Vipraj Nigam, Arshad Khan and Anshul Kamboj combined effectively to trigger a sensational collapse. Sri Lanka A lost their final wickets in dramatic fashion, folding for 269 in 48.5 overs.

The visitors completed a remarkable comeback to seal victory by just eight runs.

Key Performers

India A

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: 101

• Tilak Varma: 60

• Suryansh Shedge: 26 not out

• Vipraj Nigam: Crucial breakthrough

• Anshul Kamboj: Match-defining late wicket

Sri Lanka A

• Sahan Arachchige: 74

• Niroshan Dickwella: 47

• Avishka Fernando: 45

A Perfect Start for India A

The victory gives India A valuable momentum in the Tri-Nation Series and highlights the depth of talent within the squad. While Gaikwad's century provided the platform, it was the team's fighting spirit in the final overs that ultimately made the difference.

For Sri Lanka A, the defeat will be difficult to digest after controlling large portions of the chase. Nevertheless, the hosts showed enough quality to remain strong contenders in the tournament.

India A now heads into its next fixture full of confidence after pulling off one of the most dramatic victories of the Tri-Nation Series so far.