India’s spin attack struck back after a frenzied start from Sri Lanka XI, keeping them to 363/8 in 90 overs on Day 1 Friday in the three-day warm-up match in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.
Sri Lanka XI got off on a flying start after they were invited to bat, their partnership between the openers, Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha, was redraft. Madushka scored 66 off 65 balls with a very attacking stroke while Rasantha hit the innings with simplicity with a bang, securing a partnership filled with elegance, 71 off 143 runs.
With the introduction of spin, India’s fortunes turned around. Manav Suthar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav then sprung into action to block the run rate with two wickets in their hands and foil an even larger total for the hosts.
Sri Lanka XI captain Sonal Dinusha also joined the list of valuable hitters with 52 balls for 71 runs in the final session to help the Indians cross the 350-run target in front of the stumps.
Meanwhile, India have no stable captain with Shubman Gill ruling out the first day due to impact injury in his right ring finger. His availability for the rest of the sweltering warm up session will be decided on the basis of his rehabilitation.
India’s spinners played a decisive part in making the day a nice one for the visitors despite giving up runs in the first session and setting up a thrilling contest as they get ready for the Test series against Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the practice match.