Sri Lanka A's tour of India started today with the commencement of the first unofficial Test in Belagavi. India A batsmen Priyank Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran scored centuries to make their foothold on the match.

India A captain Priyank Panchal won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved to be extremely beneficial as the Sri Lanka A bowlers were taken to cleaners by the openers Easwaran and captain Panchal himself.

The Sri Lankan attack consists of international level bowlers like Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan. It takes some effort to keep this bowling attack on the field for close to 90 overs and giving away just 1 wicket.

Panchal scored his second century at the venue. He scored 160 runs off 261 balls which included 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. The southpaw had scored his first century at the venue in a Ranji Trophy game in 2016. He was dismissed by the opening bowler V Fernando as he edged one to the keeper Niroshan Dickwella.

His opening partner Abhimanyu Easwaran is unbeaten at the end of the day scoring 189 runs off 250 balls. His big knock includes 17 boundaries and 3 sixes. The duo shared a 352-run opening partnership. At the end of the day, Easwaran was joined by Jayant Yadav.

India A are well placed at 376/1 after 87 overs at the end of the first day.

(With inputs from PTI)