Dhruv Jurel smashed an unbeaten 141 while Nuwanidu Fernando responded with a resilient fifty as rain dominated Day 2 of the India A vs Sri Lanka A first unofficial Test in Galle. Read the full match report, highlights, scorecard, and analysis.
Dhruv Jurel's Century Puts India A in Command Despite Rain Interruptions
Rain may have stolen valuable playing time on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A, but it could not overshadow the outstanding batting performance of India's captain Dhruv Jurel . The wicketkeeper-batter played one of the finest innings of his first-class career, remaining unbeaten on 141 as India A declared their innings at 452/6.
Despite only 57.4 overs being possible due to persistent rain interruptions in Galle, the visitors tightened their grip on the match by picking up two Sri Lankan wickets before stumps. Sri Lanka A ended the day on 113/2, still trailing by 339 runs, with Nuwanidu Fernando leading the resistance through an unbeaten half-century.
The rain-hit contest has already produced exciting individual performances, setting up an intriguing Day 3.
Rain Disrupts Play but Cannot Stop Dhruv Jurel
Resuming the second day on 68 not out, Dhruv Jurel looked determined from the very first over. He immediately found the boundary and continued to play with confidence against Sri Lanka A's bowling attack.
The Indian captain combined patience with controlled aggression, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. His composure under difficult weather conditions highlighted why he is regarded as one of India's brightest young wicketkeeper-batters.
Unfortunately, heavy rain interrupted play after just 14 overs in the morning session, forcing an early lunch.
When play resumed, Jurel wasted no time reaching a well-deserved century. His innings demonstrated exceptional temperament, shot selection, and leadership.
Shaik Rasheed Falls After Valuable Contribution
While Jurel continued to dominate, Shaik Rasheed, who resumed on 53 overnight, added only ten more runs before being bowled by Chamika Gunasekara .
Although Rasheed missed out on a bigger score, his 63-run knock played a crucial role in laying the platform for India's massive first-innings total.
The partnership between Rasheed and Jurel ensured India A remained in complete control before weather interruptions slowed the momentum.
Harsh Dubey Provides Perfect Support
Following the second rain delay, Harsh Dubey joined Dhruv Jurel at the crease.
The duo attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers with positive intent, particularly targeting spinner Dilum Sudeera.
Their partnership of 86 runs for the sixth wicket frustrated the hosts and pushed India's score beyond the psychological 450-run mark.
Dubey contributed a useful 30 runs, giving Jurel the freedom to accelerate.
Chamika Gunasekara eventually dismissed Dubey to finish with three wickets, but by then India A had already established complete dominance.
Captain Dhruv Jurel declared the innings immediately after India crossed 452 runs, giving his bowlers enough time to make early breakthroughs before stumps.
India A Bowling Makes Immediate Impact
India A's fast bowlers produced the perfect start.
Anshul Kamboj struck early by dismissing experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella for just 10 runs.
At the opposite end, Auqib Nabi bowled with excellent discipline, maintaining pressure through consistent line and length.
The pressure resulted in another breakthrough when Yash Thakur bowled opener Pawantha Weerasinghe, reducing Sri Lanka A to 38/2.
India A's seam attack made excellent use of the helpful conditions despite the stop-start nature of the game.
Nuwanidu Fernando Leads Sri Lanka A's Fightback
After losing two early wickets, Nuwanidu Fernando produced a mature innings under pressure.
The left-handed batter displayed remarkable patience against India's pace attack before shifting gears against the spin bowlers.
Fernando rotated strike intelligently and punished loose deliveries, especially against Saransh Jain, who struggled to contain the scoring.
His unbeaten 65 became one of the standout performances of the day.
Partnering with Ashen Bandara, Fernando built an unbeaten 75-run partnership, helping Sri Lanka A survive until stumps without losing another wicket.
Their partnership has given Sri Lanka A hope heading into Day 3.
Ashen Bandara Plays the Supporting Role
While Fernando grabbed the headlines, Ashen Bandara deserves equal credit.
Bandara remained patient, allowing Fernando to play his natural attacking game.
His unbeaten 18 runs may appear modest, but they came during a crucial rebuilding phase after Sri Lanka A had lost early wickets.
The partnership frustrated India's bowlers and prevented further damage before bad light and rain ended the day's play.
Chamika Gunasekara Impresses with the Ball
Although India A dominated proceedings, Sri Lanka A's bowling attack had one bright spot.
Chamika Gunasekara finished with figures of 3/84, consistently troubling India's middle order.
His dismissals of Shaik Rasheed and Harsh Dubey helped slow India's scoring rate and prevented an even bigger total.
Gunasekara continues to establish himself as one of Sri Lanka A's most reliable pace bowlers.
Match Situation After Day 2
At the close of play:
India A First Innings
- 452/6 declared
- Dhruv Jurel – 141*
- Sai Sudharsan – 132
- Shaik Rasheed – 63
Sri Lanka A First Innings
- 113/2
- Nuwanidu Fernando – 65*
- Ashen Bandara – 18*
Trail: 339 runs
India A remain firmly in control, but Sri Lanka A still have capable batters at the crease.
Key Turning Points of Day 2
Dhruv Jurel's Captain's Knock
The unbeaten 141 was the defining innings of the match so far.
Rain Interruptions
Three separate rain delays reduced play to only 57.4 overs, preventing both teams from building sustained momentum.
India's Early Bowling Success
The wickets of Dickwella and Weerasinghe immediately placed Sri Lanka A under pressure.
Fernando's Counterattack
Nuwanidu Fernando ensured Sri Lanka A avoided complete collapse by producing a fighting half-century.
What to Expect on Day 3
Day 3 promises another fascinating contest.
India A will aim to:
- Dismiss Sri Lanka A quickly.
- Enforce a significant first-innings lead.
- Maintain complete control.
Sri Lanka A will hope:
- Nuwanidu Fernando converts his fifty into a century.
- Ashen Bandara provides long-term support.
- The lower middle order contributes valuable runs.
Weather could once again become a decisive factor.
Player of the Day
⭐ Dhruv Jurel (India A)
Statistics
- 141* Runs
- Captain's innings
- Match-defining knock
- Led India A to 452/6 declared
His innings combined patience, leadership, and controlled aggression, making him the undisputed performer of Day 2.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 of the India A vs Sri Lanka A First Unofficial Test belonged to Dhruv Jurel, whose unbeaten century laid the foundation for India's commanding position. Although rain repeatedly interrupted play, the Indian captain remained focused and delivered one of the finest innings of the series.
Sri Lanka A, however, found inspiration through Nuwanidu Fernando, whose composed unbeaten fifty ensured the hosts remained competitive despite facing a daunting first-innings deficit.
With India A holding a 339-run lead, Day 3 promises exciting cricket as both teams battle for control in Galle.
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