India A defeated Sri Lanka A by eight runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in a thrilling opening match of the tri-nation one-day series on Tuesday (June 9).

Despite a rocky start that saw the early departures of openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh, India A posted a competitive 277/6. Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the innings with a spectacular 101 runs off 114 balls, well-supported by skipper Tilak Varma’s 60.

In reply, the opening pair of Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando gave the hosts a roaring start with a 93-run stand. Sri Lanka A appeared well on course during their chase as captain Sahan Arachchige produced a fighting knock of 74 in the middle overs, but a late-innings batting collapse handed India A the victory.

India A's bowling unit hunting in pairs triggered the collapse. Spinners Ayush Badoni, Anukul Roy, and Vipraj Nigam kept the middle-overs tight with two wickets apiece, while left-arm pacer Arshad Khan wrapped up the tail.

Needing 10 runs off 12 balls, Sri Lanka A fell apart and lost their last three wickets in four balls during the penultimate over to be bowled out for 269. While Arshad dismissed Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Mohamed Shiraz, Wanuja Sahan got run out.

Here’s the video: