IND A vs SL A Preview: Lankans eye turnaround after Belagavi beating

Niroshan Dickwella’s attacking century in the first essay was the lone bright spot for the outmatched visitor.

Priyank Panchal's 160 in the first unofficial Test had powered India A to an imposing 622 for five. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

A beleaguered Sri Lanka-A will hope to put up a fight against a confident India-A in the second and final unofficial ‘Test’, which commences at KSCA Stadium on Friday. Sri Lanka-A needs a quick turnaround from a shoddy show in the first outing at Belagavi, which resulted in a massive innings and 205 runs defeat. Niroshan Dickwella’s attacking century in the first essay was the lone bright spot for the outmatched visitor. The lack of inspiration came as a surprise, given that the unit consists of several players with international experience like skipper Ashan Priyanjan, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Lahiru Kumara.  

READ: Virat Kohli the best man to lead India in World Cup, says Kapil Dev Much was expected from Dananjaya, but the spinner barely made an impact. Dananjaya went for 136 runs for one wicket, and found little support from his slow partner Sandakan (one for 145). India-A, on the other hand, fired on all cylinders. Priyank Panchal (160), Abhimanyu Easwaran (233), Anmolpreet Singh (116 n.o.) and Siddhesh Lad (76) powered the team to an imposing 622 for five declared, before leg-spinner Rahul Chahar returned an impressive eight-wicket match haul. The home team, cheered by a partisan crowd, will take some beating.