Padikkal's 67 goes in vain as rain forces draw in India A vs Sri Lanka A Test
Synopsis
Devdutt Padikkal's composed 67 and Dilum Sudeera's five-wicket burst weren't enough to force a result at Galle — rain had the final say. With Sri Lanka A at 70/2 chasing 312, the first unofficial Test ended in a draw, setting up a series-deciding second match from 2 July.
Key Takeaways
Devdutt Padikkal scored 67 in India A's second innings, anchoring the batting before a late collapse.
Dilum Sudeera claimed 5 for 49 , including three wickets in a single over, to trigger India A's batting collapse at 189/8 .
India A declared their second innings and set Sri Lanka A a target of 312 runs .
Sri Lanka A reached 70/2 in 15 overs before rain and poor light forced the captains to call off play.
The first four-day unofficial Test at Galle ended in a draw on 28 June .
The second and final unofficial Test begins at Galle on 2 July .
Devdutt Padikkal struck a composed 67 and spinner Dilum Sudeera claimed a five-wicket haul, but persistent rain on 28 June forced the first four-day unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A to end in a draw at Galle. Chasing an improbable 312-run target in the fourth innings, Sri Lanka A were 70/2 in 15 overs when the captains shook hands with time running out.
How India A's Second Innings Unfolded
Starting the final day at 53 without loss, India A built momentum through an 82-run opening stand between Ayush Pandey and Padikkal. Sudeera struck first, dismissing Pandey for 38, before Ravindu Fernando trapped Ruturaj Gaikwad lbw for just 1, reducing India A to 137/2.
Padikkal steadied the innings alongside captain and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel in a 44-run stand, but Sri Lanka A hit back sharply. Sudeera removed Padikkal, and Sahan Arachchige caught Jurel behind the stumps in the next over, leaving India A at 172/4 at lunch.
Sudeera's Five-Wicket Haul Triggers Collapse
After a heavy downpour delayed the post-lunch session, Sudeera returned with devastating effect, grabbing three wickets in a single over to complete a well-earned five-wicket haul — finishing with figures of 5 for 49. India A, struggling at 189/8 but holding an overall lead of 311 runs, opted to declare and set Sri Lanka A a target of 312.
Sri Lanka A's Chase Cut Short by Rain
Opener Pawantha Weerasinghe struck a fluent 20 before medium-pacer Auqib Nabi removed him. In the next over, Harsh Dubey trapped Niroshan Dickwella lbw to leave the hosts at 70/2. A second heavy rain spell disrupted play for over two hours. Though conditions cleared briefly for an 8.3-over segment, poor light and a wet outfield ultimately ended the contest.
What's Next
The second and final unofficial Test between the two sides is scheduled to begin at Galle on 2 July. The drawn result keeps the series level heading into the decider, with both bowling attacks having demonstrated clear intent despite the weather-interrupted conditions.
Brief Scores: India A 452/6 declared and 189/8 declared (Devdutt Padikkal 67, Ayush Pandey 38; Dilum Sudeera 5-49) drew with Sri Lanka A 330 and 70/2 in 15 overs (Pawantha Weerasinghe 20; Auqib Nabi 1-18).
Point of View
But the match offered genuine selection signals. Padikkal's 67 was assured rather than spectacular — the kind of innings that keeps him in the frame for senior-squad consideration without quite making the unanswerable case. Sudeera's five-wicket haul, particularly the three-in-an-over burst, is the more striking takeaway: India A's middle order folded against quality spin on a Galle surface, a vulnerability that will be noted ahead of the series decider. With the second unofficial Test beginning 2 July at the same venue, conditions are unlikely to change — the question is whether India A's batters can adapt.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India A vs Sri Lanka A first four-day Test in Galle?
The first four-day unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A at Galle ended in a draw on 28 June after persistent rain and poor light prevented a result on the final day. Sri Lanka A were 70/2 chasing a target of 312 when play was called off.
How did Devdutt Padikkal perform in the match?
Devdutt Padikkal scored 67 in India A's second innings, sharing an 82-run opening stand with Ayush Pandey and then adding 44 with captain Dhruv Jurel. He was eventually dismissed by Dilum Sudeera as India A's innings collapsed to 189/8.
Who took five wickets for Sri Lanka A in the match?
Spinner Dilum Sudeera took 5 for 49 for Sri Lanka A, including three wickets in a single over that triggered a dramatic collapse in India A's second innings.
When and where is the second India A vs Sri Lanka A unofficial Test?
The second and final unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A is scheduled to begin on 2 July in Galle, with the series level after the first match ended in a draw.
What were the full scorecard details of the Galle unofficial Test?
India A scored 452/6 declared and 189/8 declared (Padikkal 67, Pandey 38; Sudeera 5-49). Sri Lanka A replied with 330 in their first innings and reached 70/2 in 15 overs in their second before the match was abandoned as a draw.
