Devdutt Padikkal Shines with Century as India Fights Back Against Sri Lanka XI

India's Strong Performance on Day 2 of Warm-Up Match

Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 8: Devdutt Padikkal delivered an impressive century, leading India to a robust comeback on the second day of their three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground on Saturday.

Padikkal's remarkable unbeaten score of 142 off 164 balls was pivotal in India's resurgence on Day 2. Ravindra Jadeja also made a significant contribution with 63 runs (retired hurt), while Manav Suthar added 41 runs. By the end of the day, India had reached 357/6 in 90 overs, just six runs shy of Sri Lanka XI's first-innings total, setting the stage for an exciting final day on Sunday.

The Sri Lanka XI declared their first innings at 363/8 after 90 overs. India faced an early challenge when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck in the first over, caught behind off pacer Vishwa Fernando.

With Shubman Gill sidelined due to a minor injury to his right hand during practice, Padikkal and KL Rahul stepped up to stabilize the innings. The duo added 96 runs for the second wicket before Rahul was bowled by off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for 40 runs off 67 balls, paving the way for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Padikkal continued to assert his dominance, confidently tackling both pace and spin. He reached his century in 121 balls and later retired after scoring 103, allowing other middle-order batsmen some valuable time at the crease. He and Jadeja formed a solid 72-run partnership.

India faced further setbacks with the quick dismissals of Rishabh Pant for two and Dhruv Jurel for one, both falling to spin, leaving the visitors at 174/4.

Jadeja and Manav Suthar then steadied the innings with a crucial 76-run partnership. Jadeja scored a composed 63 off 117 balls before retiring, while Suthar contributed 41 runs from 90 balls, helping India surpass the 250-run mark.

Asanka Manoj dismissed Suthar and Mohammed Siraj (1 run off 8 balls) in the 73rd over, but Padikkal returned to the crease and formed a 49-run partnership with Saransh Jain (22 runs, retired hurt), pushing India past the 300-run mark. Gurnoor Brar then joined Padikkal, scoring an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, including four sixes in the last over of Day 2, helping India finish the day at 357/6 after 90 overs, just six runs behind Sri Lanka XI's total.

Padikkal remained not out on 142.

For the Sri Lanka XI, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj each took two wickets.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka XI 363/8 declared; India 357/6 (Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Suthar 41, KL Rahul 40).