Gurnoor Brar Shines as India A Clinches Series Victory Against Sri Lanka A
Brar's Stellar Performance Leads India A to Victory
In Galle, Sri Lanka, on July 5, Gurnoor Brar showcased an outstanding performance, dismantling Sri Lanka A's batting lineup and paving the way for a straightforward 33-run chase for the India A cricket team, securing a 1-0 series victory in the unofficial Test series.
Brar's remarkable achievement included six wickets in the second innings, following four in the first, culminating in impressive match figures of 10 for 145, marking a significant milestone in his early first-class career. Sri Lanka A, starting their second innings 177 runs behind, was bowled out for 209, allowing India A to clinch the win with ease.
India A began the day at 541 for 8 in their first innings, bolstered by a stellar 168 from B Sai Sudharsan, along with valuable contributions from Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Saransh Jain, who was at the crease with Yash Thakur.
The innings concluded shortly after Thakur was dismissed as the fifth wicket of left-arm spinner Keshara Nuwantha, capping off a dominant display. Ruturaj Gaikwad did not return to bat after retiring hurt on the third day, as India A's substantial total set the stage for the match.
Brar then took charge, supported by Aaqib Nabi and Yash Thakur, who each claimed a wicket as Sri Lanka A faltered to 49 for 4 by the 11th over. Captain Sahan Arachchige, who scored a century in the first innings, was among the early casualties as the innings fell apart.
Sri Lanka A's resistance was primarily led by Ashen Bandara, who delivered a spirited counterattack with 87 runs off 86 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. He formed a 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Anjala Bandara, who contributed a steady 17, briefly stabilizing the innings before India A regained control.
Brar returned to the attack, dismissing Anjala Bandara and then Ashen Bandara, leaving Sri Lanka A struggling at 141 for 6, still trailing in the match.
Lower-order contributions from Keshara Nuwantha (26), Dilum Sudeera (21), and Asanka Manoj (12 not out) allowed Sri Lanka A to erase the first-innings deficit and briefly take a lead, but their advantage was short-lived.
Brar completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Sudeera and wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Dulaj Samuditha, achieving a six-wicket haul in the second innings and a total of 10 wickets in the match. Saransh Jain also contributed with two wickets as India A maintained firm control.
Sai Sudharsan and Aman Mokhade swiftly chased down the required runs in just 6.2 overs, securing the victory for India A, who added this win to their earlier triumph in the 50-overs tri-series, which included Afghanistan A.