NEW DELHI: India A opened their Tri-Nation Series with a narrow eight-run victory against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday after a tense finish. Sri Lanka A appeared in command while chasing 278, led by captain Sahan Arachchige’s 74 from 72 deliveries. Yet India A mounted a strong recovery in the closing stages to secure the win. The chase began steadily as Niroshan Dickwella scored 47 and Avishka Fernando made 45, adding 93 for the first wicket. Ayush Badoni dismissed both, but Arachchige maintained momentum with support from the middle order and Wanuja Sahan. Sri Lanka A required only 22 from the last four overs with four wickets remaining. The 48th over proved decisive when Anshul Kamboj bowled a yorker to dismiss Arachchige. Arshad Khan then dominated the death overs, claiming two wickets in the 49th over including a run-out assisted by Ruturaj Gaikwad. He returned in the final over to take three more as the last four wickets fell in ten balls. Earlier India A recovered from 16 for two to reach 277 for six. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 101 from 114 balls and shared a 150-run stand with Tilak Varma, who made 60. Ayush Badoni and Suryansh Shedge added quick runs at the end. India A next play Afghanistan A on June 11.
