Dramatic Turnaround in Dambulla

India A kicked off their Tri-Nation Series campaign with an exhilarating eight-run win over Sri Lanka A on Tuesday. In a match that swung back and forth, the visitors managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to a series of critical breakthroughs in the final overs.

Gaikwad's Century Anchors India A

India A's innings got off to a shaky start, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi falling for 14 in his first List A appearance, and Prabhsimran Singh also departing cheaply. At 16 for two, the team was under pressure.

However, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped up, delivering a masterful 101 off 114 balls—his 21st List A century. Gaikwad found a reliable partner in captain Tilak Varma, who scored 60. Together, they forged a crucial 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings before accelerating toward the end.

Late contributions from Ayush Badoni (24 off 18) and Suryansh Shedge (26 not out off 14) pushed the total to 277 for six, a score that eventually proved decisive.

Sri Lanka A's Dominance and Sudden Collapse

Sri Lanka A seemed poised for a comfortable win, starting strong with Niroshan Dickwella (47) and Avishka Fernando (45) putting on 93 for the opening stand. Captain Sahan Arachchige continued the onslaught with a superb 74 off 72 balls, putting the hosts in total control.

The momentum shifted violently in the 48th over. With Sri Lanka needing just 16 runs from 16 balls, Anshul Kamboj delivered a lethal yorker to bowl Arachchige, breaking the backbone of the chase.

Arshad Khan's Final Over Heroics

As the tension mounted, Arshad Khan took center stage in the death overs. While Sri Lanka A needed only 10 runs from the final two overs, Khan struck twice in the 49th over, including an lbw of Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. A sharp run-out by Ruturaj Gaikwad of Wanuja Sahan further crippled the Sri Lankan lineup.

Returning for the final over, Arshad Khan completed the demolition, picking up three more wickets. Sri Lanka A lost their final four wickets in just 10 deliveries, handing India A a hard-fought victory.

India A will now shift their focus to their next encounter against Afghanistan A, scheduled for June 11.