Ruturaj Gaikwad's ton powers India A to 8-run win over Sri Lanka A in Tri-Series opener
Synopsis
India A pulled off a thriller at Dambulla — needing Gaikwad's century to rescue a collapsing top order, and Kamboj's perfectly-timed yorker to deny Sri Lanka A when they needed just 17 off 3 overs. The 8-run win was as close as the margin suggests, and sets up the Tri-Nation A Series with real intent.
Key Takeaways
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 101 off 114 balls to rescue India A from 16 for 2 and anchor a total of 277 for 6 .
Tilak Varma contributed 60 runs and Suryansh Shedge hit an unbeaten 26 off 14 balls to boost the final total.
Sahan Arachchige's 74 brought Sri Lanka A within 17 runs of victory with three overs remaining.
Anshul Kamboj bowled Arachchige with a yorker in the 48th over , turning the match decisively.
Arshad Khan took back-to-back wickets in the 49th over to seal an 8-run win for India A.
Ruturaj Gaikwad struck a composed century as India A opened their Tri-Nation A Series campaign with a tense 8-run victory over Sri Lanka A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June. Defending a total of 277, the visitors held their nerve through a nail-biting chase that stretched into the final over.
Early Collapse and Gaikwad's Rescue Act
India A's innings began in disarray as they slumped to 16 for 2 inside the opening overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making a much-anticipated return following his high-profile IPL performances, was dismissed for just 14 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh also departed cheaply, leaving the innings on a knife-edge.
Gaikwad steadied the ship with authority, crafting a captain's knock of 101 off 114 deliveries, studded with six fours and three sixes. His innings was defined by patience and calculated aggression — precisely the qualities India A needed after the early setbacks.
Middle Order Fires to Post 277
Tilak Varma provided crucial support with a 60-run knock, helping consolidate the innings after Gaikwad's foundational work. The lower order then added vital runs in the final stretch — Ayush Badoni contributed a brisk 24 off 18 balls, and Suryansh Shedge finished unbeaten on 26 off 14 deliveries, powering India A to 89 runs in the final 10 overs. The total of 277 for 6 in 50 overs gave the bowlers something to defend.
Sri Lanka A Push Hard in the Chase
Niroshan Dickwella gave Sri Lanka A early momentum with a brisk 47, and the hosts kept pace with the required rate through the middle overs. Sahan Arachchige anchored the chase with a superb 74 off 72 balls, bringing Sri Lanka A to the brink — needing just 17 runs from the final three overs with wickets in hand. Victory appeared to be within the home side's grasp.
Kamboj's Yorker Turns the Match
The decisive moment arrived in the 48th over when Anshul Kamboj produced a pinpoint yorker to bowl Arachchige, ending the most threatening partnership of the innings. The breakthrough left Sri Lanka A requiring 16 runs from 16 deliveries and abruptly shifted the momentum.
Arshad Khan then delivered the knockout blow, claiming back-to-back wickets in the 49th over to dismantle the tail. Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 269 in 48.5 overs, falling 8 runs short of the target. Mohamed Shiraz was the pick of the Sri Lanka A bowlers, finishing with 2 for 67, while Arshad Khan led India A's attack with 2 for 24 and Badoni chipped in with 2 for 46.
Brief Scores
India A 277/6 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 101, Tilak Varma 60; Mohamed Shiraz 2-67) beat Sri Lanka A 269 all out in 48.5 overs (Sahan Arachchige 74, Niroshan Dickwella 47; Arshad Khan 2-24, Ayush Badoni 2-46) by 8 runs. India A will look to build on this opening win as the Tri-Nation series continues at Dambulla.
Point of View
But the more telling story is how close India A came to squandering it. Needing only 17 off the last three overs, Sri Lanka A were odds-on — and that India A escaped owes as much to Kamboj's composure under pressure as to any batting brilliance. For a side that includes Sooryavanshi, whose IPL form raised expectations, a first-over exit is a reminder that A-team cricket has its own demands. The bowlers' ability to execute at the death, not just the century, is what this win should be remembered for.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India A vs Sri Lanka A in the Tri-Nation A Series opener?
India A beat Sri Lanka A by 8 runs at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on 9 June. India A posted 277 for 6 and bowled Sri Lanka A out for 269 in 48.5 overs.
How did Ruturaj Gaikwad perform in the match?
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 101 off 114 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. He rescued India A after they slipped to 16 for 2 in the early overs and laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Who took the crucial wicket that turned the match for India A?
Anshul Kamboj bowled Sahan Arachchige with a yorker in the 48th over when Sri Lanka A needed just 17 runs from three overs. The breakthrough swung momentum decisively back to India A.
Who were the top performers for Sri Lanka A in the chase?
Sahan Arachchige top-scored with 74 off 72 balls and nearly guided Sri Lanka A to victory. Niroshan Dickwella provided early momentum with 47, while Mohamed Shiraz was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 67.
What is the Tri-Nation A Series and where is it being played?
The Tri-Nation A Series is a multi-team one-day cricket tournament featuring India A, Sri Lanka A, and a third side, played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. India A opened their campaign with this win on 9 June.
