Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar strengthened his case for a maiden Test captaincy with a sensational 10-wicket 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 win gave the Dhruv Jurel-led India A team a 1-0 triumph in the two-match red ball series after the opening match 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 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. After impressing on his ODI debut against Afghanistan last month but missing out on a Test debut, Brar has now made a compelling statement with the red ball.
Sudharsan still dominates India
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 lead. Jain also impressed with the ball, claiming six wickets in the match.Sri Lanka A found little resistance apart from Ashen Bandara’s struggling 87, as Brar and the Indian bowlers closed the innings quickly.Set a modest target of 33, India A finished 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 the senior Indian team scheduled to begin the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on August 15, players like 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.
