India secured a victory against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI (SLC XI) in Colombo, successfully chasing down a target of 207 runs. Shubman Gill, who had previously dealt with a finger injury, returned to form by scoring 44 runs off 54 balls, including seven boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal also impressed with an authoritative 61 off 46 deliveries, featuring nine fours and two sixes before the team opted to retire him out.
The match saw India's captain leading the side, with Gill opening the batting after replacing KL Rahul. The pair of Gill and Jaiswal put on a 105-run partnership, demonstrating strong stroke play including short-arm jabs and drives. Following Jaiswal's departure, Rishabh Pant joined the crease, eventually partnering with Dhruv Jurel to push the score forward. As the target neared, Mohammed Siraj provided an entertaining finish with a hat-trick of sixes, ending his innings unbeaten on 32.
Earlier in the game, India began proceedings with a declaration after trailing by six runs. Mohammed Siraj made an impact with the new ball, claiming the wickets of Nishan Fernando and Ravindu Rasantha. Prasidh Krishna also contributed by dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara. Despite these early losses, Nishan stabilized the hosts with significant partnerships alongside Pavan Rathnayake and Anjala Bandara. Nishan eventually retired out after scoring 63 off 73 balls.
The match maintained a symmetrical structure, with both sides batting for 90 and 45 overs across their respective innings. Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar, who is competing for a spot as India's third spinner ahead of the August 15 Test, were also retired out on 22 and 4, respectively. The SLC XI declared at tea following a brief period of urgency in the final stages of their innings.
The chase began with Gill replacing KL Rahul at the top. He survived a close lbw shout early but set the tone. He brought out the short-arm jabs and, along with Jaiswal, put on an exhibition of drives as India reached fifty in eight overs. The openers scored 10 boundaries during this period.
Pant started in atypical fashion, with 21 dots. Gill was caught off the leading edge at short third. Pant got off the mark with a six and pushed India forward with a quick-starting Dhruv Jurel for company. They added 45 in eight overs before Jurel nicked behind. The tail got in a few lumps and then the day was done.
