Jaiswal’s Fifty And Siraj’s Six-Hitting Blitz Power India To Colombo Warm-Up Victory

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India reached 214/4 in 45 overs while pursuing Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s target of 207.

Jaiswal played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring 61 after failing to open his account in the first innings. Shubman Gill also made a valuable contribution on his return to competitive action.

After missing the opening two days following a right ring-finger injury, Gill partnered Jaiswal at the top and compiled 44 before Ramesh Mendis dismissed him.

The Indian captain looked comfortable against spin but eventually mistimed an attacking stroke, allowing the Sri Lankan side to claim his wicket.

India required 23 runs from the last 12 deliveries when Siraj transformed the contest with a remarkable display of power hitting.

The pacer first cleared the boundary against Sonal Dinusha before taking apart Keshara Nuwantha in the final over.

Siraj sent three successive deliveries over the ropes, completing India’s chase with three balls still unused. He remained unbeaten on 32 from just 15 deliveries, turning a tense finish into an emphatic Indian victory.

Rishabh Pant added 28 from 68 balls after initially taking time to settle, while Dhruv Jurel scored 12.

Ravindra Jadeja continued his strong form by making a brisk 22 after his first-innings 63.

Sri Lanka Cricket XI resumed their second innings after India declared at 357/6. Indian seamers exploited the overcast conditions, with Siraj removing opener Ravindu Rasantha early.

Prasidh Krishna then dismissed Pasindu Sooriyabandara, while Gurnoor Brar claimed two wickets, including those of Pavan Rathnayake and Sonal Dinusha.

Jadeja added two more wickets, including Sri Lanka XI’s leading scorer Nipun Dhananjaya, who departed for 46.

Nishan Madushka top-scored with 63 from 73 balls before the hosts declared at 200/6.

The warm-up fixture gave India’s batters valuable time in the middle and provided the bowling attack with useful match practice.

India will now turn their attention to the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The opening Test will begin on August 15 at Galle International Stadium.

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Bishal Singh