Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with a composed 61 while fast bowler Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning cameo of 32 off 15 balls — including three consecutive sixes in the final over — to power India to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Cricket XI on the third and final day of their warm-up fixture at the NCC Ground, Colombo, on 9 August. The win hands India crucial momentum ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Siraj's Explosive Finish

Chasing a target of 207 after Sri Lanka XI declared their second innings at 200/6, India needed 23 runs off the final two overs — a task that looked daunting until Siraj took centre stage. He launched Sonal Dinusha for a six in the 44th over before unleashing three consecutive maximums off Keshara Nuwantha in the 45th and final over, sealing the chase with three balls to spare. The finish also ensured India completed their full quota of overs to secure the bonus runs required by the match format.

Jaiswal and Gill Provide Batting Confidence

The final day opened with an encouraging sight for India: regular skipper Shubman Gill returned to the crease after missing the first two days due to an impact injury to his right ring finger, sustained during Thursday's practice session. Opening alongside Jaiswal, Gill looked fluent and assured — particularly against spin — before miscuing a lofted shot off Ramesh Mendis and departing for a well-made 44.

Jaiswal, who had registered a duck in the first innings, responded with a confident 61 before retiring hurt to allow other batters valuable time in the middle. Rishabh Pant began cautiously — spending 25 balls for just 6 runs in a deliberate effort to occupy the crease — before cutting loose to hit a four and three sixes, eventually falling for 28 off 68 balls. Dhruv Jurel contributed 12 before edging left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando behind to the keeper.

Jadeja Continues Sparkling Form

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued his strong run of form, following his first-innings 63 with a brisk 22 in the second essay. Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, and Saransh Jain also received valuable batting time in the middle, rounding out a productive exercise for the touring squad.

India's Bowlers Control the Morning Session

Earlier in the day, after India had declared their first innings at 357/6, Sri Lanka XI resumed their second innings under overcast conditions. Siraj struck early with a characteristic wobble-seam delivery to dismiss opener Ravindu Rasantha. Prasidh Krishna bowled aggressively, rattling the middle stump of Pasindu Sooriyabandara, while tall pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed with his extra bounce, accounting for Pavan Rathnanayake and captain Sonal Dinusha to finish with figures of 2-38. Jadeja chipped in with two late wickets, including top-scorer Nipun Dhananjaya (46), who was stumped by Jurel after charging down the track. Nishan Madushka was the standout for the hosts, completing his second half-century of the match with a crisp 63 off 73 balls, before Sri Lanka XI declared at tea.

What This Means Ahead of the Test Series

With key batters finding form and the bowling unit accumulating overs under match conditions, India head into the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with considerable confidence. Notably, Gill's return from injury and Jaiswal's assured batting at the top address two of the more pressing selection concerns. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 15 August at the historic Galle International Stadium.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka Cricket XI 363/8 dec and 200/6 dec (Nishan Madushka 63, Nipun Dhananjaya 46; Ravindra Jadeja 2-33, Gurnoor Brar 2-37) lost to India 357/6 dec and 214/4 in 45 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 61, Shubman Gill 44; Keshara Nuwantha 2-57, Vishwa Fernando 1-34) by six wickets.