Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar strengthened his case for a maiden Test cap with a sensational 10-wicket match haul as India A crushed Sri Lanka A by 10 wickets in the second unofficial Test at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday. The emphatic victory handed the Dhruv Jurel-led India A side a 1-0 triumph in the two-match red-ball series after the opening fixture ended in a draw.
Brar steals the show
Brar was the undisputed star of the match, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/77 in the first innings and 6/68 in the second to register a 10-wicket match haul. The Punjab pacer ripped through Sri Lanka A’s batting line-up on the final day, helping 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. Having impressed on his ODI debut against Afghanistan last month but missed out on a Test debut, Brar has now made a compelling statement with the red ball.
Sudharsan anchors 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 had 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 across the match.Sri Lanka A found little resistance apart from Ashen Bandara’s fighting 87, as Brar and the Indian bowlers wrapped up the innings quickly.Set a modest target of 33, India A completed the chase without losing a wicket. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 25, while Aman Mokhade finished 11 not out, sealing victory in just 6.2 overs.
Ideal preparation before Sri Lanka Tests
With India’s senior side scheduled to begin the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on August 15, players such as Sudharsan, Padikkal, Jurel and Brar have gained valuable match practice and further strengthened their claims for selection.The second Test of the series will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground from August 23.
