India A vs Sri Lanka A ended with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory for the visitors, who wrapped up the second unofficial Test to clinch the two-match series 1-0. Gurnoor Brar starred with a 10-wicket match haul after Sai Sudharsan's commanding first-innings century laid the platform for India's dominance.
The second unofficial Test, played in Colombo, saw India A recover from a drawn opening match to secure the series with one game to spare. India A posted 543 for 9 declared in their first innings, established a sizeable lead over Sri Lanka A's 366, then bowled the hosts out again before chasing a modest target without losing a wicket. The victory underlined the depth of India's emerging red-ball talent, with contributions from both established A-team regulars and newer faces.
Sai Sudharsan's marathon innings set the platform
India A took firm control of the contest through a disciplined batting effort led by Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander compiled a patient 168, following up the century he scored in the drawn first unofficial Test to continue an impressive tour with the bat.
Sudharsan occupied the crease for long periods, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. His innings became the backbone of India's imposing total of 543 for 9 declared. He received useful support through the middle order, allowing India A to stretch the innings and wear down Sri Lanka A's bowling attack across multiple sessions.
The sizeable first-innings score immediately shifted pressure onto the hosts. Sri Lanka A responded with resistance of their own and reached 366, but the deficit meant they were always chasing the game rather than dictating it. India A's bowlers maintained disciplined lines throughout, ensuring the advantage built by the batters wasn't surrendered.
"Sai Sudharsan backed up his first-Test century with 168, while Gurnoor Brar claimed a 10-wicket match haul as India A sealed the series 1-0."
Gurnoor Brar's relentless spell finished the job
The decisive phase arrived once Sri Lanka A began their second innings. With a healthy lead already secured, India A needed early breakthroughs to prevent the hosts from building a match-saving partnership. Gurnoor Brar delivered exactly that.
The left-arm seamer consistently extracted movement and bounce, troubling batters throughout the innings. He dismissed key members of Sri Lanka A's batting line-up and completed a remarkable 10-wicket haul across the match, comfortably the standout bowling performance of the series.
His sustained accuracy meant Sri Lanka A never established lasting momentum in the second innings. Partnerships were regularly interrupted, and the home side failed to build the substantial lead they required to put India A under pressure.
His sustained accuracy meant Sri Lanka A never established lasting momentum in the second innings. Partnerships were regularly interrupted, and the home side failed to build the substantial lead they required to put India A under pressure.
Once Sri Lanka A were bowled out, India A required only a modest chase. Their openers completed the task without losing a wicket, sealing a convincing 10-wicket victory and ensuring the visitors claimed the unofficial Test series 1-0 after the opening match had finished in a draw.
Brar's performance stood out not only because of the volume of wickets but also because of the timing of his breakthroughs. Each spell arrived when Sri Lanka A attempted to rebuild, preventing any realistic route back into the contest. His consistency across both innings reflected the control India A maintained throughout the four-day match.
Series victory offers timely boost for India's emerging talent
Winning the unofficial Test series provides valuable evidence of the strength within India's red-ball development system. Several players produced performances that will attract the attention of national selectors, with Sudharsan once again converting starts into a major score and Brar demonstrating his ability to influence matches with the ball.
The series also continued India's encouraging record in A-team cricket, where strong performances often serve as an important stepping stone towards senior international selection. While unofficial Tests do not carry international status, they remain a significant measure of players' readiness for higher levels of competition.
India A leave Sri Lanka with the unofficial Test series secured after drawing the opening match and winning the second convincingly. Attention now turns to the remaining fixtures on the tour, where several players will look to build on strong individual performances and further strengthen their cases for future senior selection.