The opening day of the three-day practice match saw Sri Lanka Cricket XI seize control against India, compiling a formidable 363/8 thanks to a commanding display from their top order alongside solid support down the lineup. After opting to bat, the hosts gained an early upper hand as opening pair Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha comfortably handled the Indian pacers. Their opening stand brought up the team's half-century mark in under 12 overs, taking just 71 balls to cross the threshold.
Sri Lanka take Day 1 honours in warm-up game against India
Madushka set a brisk tempo, racing to a 52-ball fifty decorated with nine boundaries and a maximum. His aggressive approach pushed the score past 100 in the 19th over, with the century partnership taking only 112 deliveries.
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While Madushka provided the early fireworks, Rasantha anchored the innings with a composed 82-ball half-century, ensuring Sri Lanka XI went into the lunch break in a dominant position at 138/1.
The Indian bowling attack staged a turnaround in the afternoon session, striking at regular intervals to break through the opposition's momentum. Even as Pasindu Sooriyabandara paired with Rasantha for a solid stand, the visitors kept picking up wickets, limiting the home side to 180/2 by the 44th over.
India continued to make progress against the middle order, gradually curbing the scoring rate as Sri Lanka XI progressed past 200 and 250 before falling to 284/5. However, a late-order fightback spearheaded by Sonal Dinusha shifted the initiative back to the hosts. Joining forces with Ramesh Mendis, Dinusha helped compile a swift 50-run alliance in just 68 deliveries.
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Elevating the team past the 350-run mark, Dinusha brought up a 66-ball half-century featuring five boundaries and a clearance. Although India managed to snap up a few late strikes before stumps, Sri Lanka XI closed out a successful 90 overs on Day 1 comfortably situated at 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja (2/64), Manav Suthar (2/33) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/76) took two wickets apiece for India. Heading into Day 2, the visiting side will aim to swiftly wrap up the tail before their batters take center stage for their initial warm-up hit ahead of the upcoming Test matches.