IND A vs SL A: India munch on 170-run lead after Auqib Nabi's 4-fer put Sri Lanka on backfoot on Day 3

A fiery spell from Jammu and Kashmir paceman Auqib Nabi put India 'A' firmly in control of the opening 'Test' against Sri Lanka 'A' on day three. Despite the hosts looking comfortable at 300 for 5 after resuming the morning at 113 for 2, Nabi exploited the second new ball perfectly. His sudden four-wicket burst triggered a lower-order collapse, bundling out Sri Lanka 'A' for 330.

Auqib Nabi breaks SL A's back as India A takes charge of 1st unofficial Test

Nabi finished with impressive figures of 4 for 58 across 19.4 overs, single-handedly securing a vital 122-run first-innings advantage for India 'A', who had previously racked up 452 for 6 in their first innings. By stumps, the visitors tightened their grip on the match, moving to 48 for no loss in their second essay to stretch their overall lead to a commanding 170 runs.

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The only blemish on a dominant day for India 'A' was an injury to opener Sai Sudharsan, who followed his first-innings century by retiring hurt on 4. Fellow opener Ayush Pandey and number three batsman Devdutt Padikkal steady the ship, with both remaining unbeaten on 20 at the close of play. Heading into the fourth and final day, India 'A' will likely look to bat through the morning session to set a daunting target of around 300 before unleashing their bowlers for the final two sessions.

Arachchige, Fernando shine for Sri Lanka A

Sri Lanka 'A' looked to be in an incredibly strong position on day three, courtesy of a brilliant 117-run stand between Ashen Bandara and captain Sahan Arachchige. Cruising at 260 for 3, the pair handled the Indian bowling attack with ease. Arachchige went on the attack against spinners Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey, punishing them for multiple boundaries and three maximums. The Indian spinners kept their composure, though, and eventually broke through the defenses of both batsmen, with Devdutt Padikkal safely pouching both chances.

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With the score at 268/5, the new batter, Anjala Bandara and Ravindu Fernando—managed to steady the ship temporarily with a 32-run partnership. All the while, India 'A' skipper Jurel held back his main attack, biding his time until the second new Kookaburra ball was due.

The tactical patience paid off perfectly. The moment the new ball was taken, Auqib Nabi dismantled the rest of the batting order, causing the hosts to lose their last five wickets for just 30 runs. After getting Bandara and Fernando caught out, Nabi weaponized his lethal inswingers to trap tailenders Chamika Gunasekhara and Dulaj Samudhita plumb in front, ending the Lankan resistance in a flash.