Match Location: Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) Grounds, Colombo
Context: 3-Day Warm-Up Match ahead of India’s Test Series against Sri Lanka in Galle
Watch Full Highlights: Sony Sports Network on YouTube
Match Overview
The three-day warm-up match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI (SLC XI) at the Nondescripts Cricket Club grounds in Colombo concluded with high-octane action, giving both teams crucial match practice ahead of the Test series at Galle.
After SLC XI posted 363/8 in their first innings and India responded with 357/6—powered by Devdutt Padikkal’s splendid 142—Day 3 saw SLC XI bat out 45 overs to score 200/6 before declaring. India then launched a quick-fire run chase, reaching 209/4 in under 45 overs, highlighted by fluent half-centuries, Rishabh Pant’s trademark aggression, and an entertaining late blitz from Mohammed Siraj.
Key Highlights from Day 3
1. Siraj and Prasidh Krishna Strike Early for India
SLC XI resumed their second innings looking to give their middle-order quality time against top-tier Indian pace. Mohammed Siraj made an early breakthrough by trapping opener Rashan for 8 with a sharp inward-nipping delivery. Prasidh Krishna followed up soon after with a pitch-perfect full delivery that castled Pasindu Sooriyabandara for 4.
2. Nishan Madushka Continues Impressive Form
Top-order batter Nishan Madushka proved to be the standout performer for SLC XI across both innings. Displaying classic cover drives, back-foot punches, and authoritative pulls against pace, Madushka brought up his second half-century of the match before eventually finishing on 63.
Ravindra Jadeja broke a solid middle-order stand by outsmarting Nibun Dhananjaya (46), bowling wide from the crease to induce a stumping/bowled dismissal as SLC XI reached 200/6 in 45 overs.
3. Jaiswal and Gill Dominate Opening Stand
In response to SLC XI’s 200/6, India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill set a blazing tone. Jaiswal scored freely square of the wicket and used the ramp shot effectively, completing a rapid 50 off just 43 balls. He eventually retired out on 61 off 45 balls to allow the middle order batting time.
Shubman Gill was equally elegant, striking signature cover drives and effortless punches through the offside before falling for a well-made 44.
4. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel Turn Up the Heat
Rishabh Pant brought his signature flair to Colombo, smashing a 22nd-ball monster six straight over the bowler’s head and following it up with another massive hit towards Maitland Crescent. Dhruv Jurel also chipped in with crisp pull shots and clear-the-front-leg maximums during a brisk cameo of 17.
5. Mohammed Siraj’s Entertainment Finale
With India approaching the target, Mohammed Siraj walked out with license to attack. Siraj provided pure entertainment by hitting a hat-trick of massive sixes over the leg-side and straight boundary, effectively sealing the match in style.
Match Summary Scorecard
| Team / Innings | Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| SLC XI (1st Innings) | 363/8 dec | Ravindu 71, Madish 66; Manav Sutar 2 wkts, Ravindra Jadeja 2 wkts |
| India (1st Innings) | 357/6 dec | Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Sutar 41 |
| SLC XI (2nd Innings) | 200/6 dec | Nishan Madushka 63, Nibun Dhananjaya 46; Chahar/Gurbani 2 wkts |
| India (2nd Innings) | 209/4 | Yashasvi Jaiswal 61 (retired), Shubman Gill 44, Mohammed Siraj 20* |
Main Takeaways Ahead of the Galle Test
- Top-Order Form: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Devdutt Padikkal all spent quality time in the middle, adapting smoothly to Sri Lankan conditions.
- Bowling Workload: India’s seam options—Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Jasprit Bumrah—got essential overs into their legs to build match fitness before the Test series.
- Spin Control: Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Sutar effectively held back the scoring while extracting bounce on a drying Colombo surface.
