Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar strengthened his case for a maiden Test cap with a stunning 10-wicket match haul as India A beat Sri Lanka A by 10 wickets in the second unofficial Test at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday. The tight win gave the Dhruv Jurel-led India A side a 1-0 win in the two-match red-ball series after the opening fixture ended in a draw.
Brar stole the show
Brar was the undisputed star of the match, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/77 in the first innings and 6/68 in the second to register a 10-wicket match haul. The Punjab pacer tore through Sri Lanka A’s batting line-up on the final day, helping to dismiss the hosts for 209 in their second innings.His performance comes at an ideal time, with India set to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series next month. Impressing on his ODI debut against Afghanistan last month but missing out on a Test debut, Brar is now making a compelling statement with the red ball.
Sudharsan anchored India’s dominance
Earlier in the match, Sai Sudharsan laid the foundation for India’s commanding victory with a magnificent 168, guiding India A to 543/9 declared after Sri Lanka A posted 366 in their first innings.Devdutt Padikkal contributed a fluent 94, while Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 70 to extend India’s advantage. Jain also impressed with the ball, claiming six wickets in the entire match.Sri Lanka A found little resistance apart from Ashen Bandara’s fighting 87, as Brar and the Indian bowlers quickly wrapped up the innings.Setting a modest target of 33, India completed the chase without losing a wicket. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 25, while Aman Mokhade finished with 11 not out, sealing victory in 6.2 overs.
Good preparation before the Tests in Sri Lanka
With the senior Indian side set to begin a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on August 15, players like Sudharsan, Padikkal, Jurel and Brar are getting valuable practice in the game and further strengthening their claims for selection.The second Test of the series will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground from August 23.