Mohammed Siraj smashes three sixes as India beat Sri Lanka Cricket XI in warm-up match



India secured a comfortable win over Sri Lanka Cricket XI in their warm-up match in Colombo, chasing down a target of 207 with contributions from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Siraj. The tour game provided India with valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming Test assignment, while several players got an opportunity to spend time in the middle.

Gill returned to action after sitting out India’s first innings as a precaution following a finger injury. The India captain looked in good touch during the chase, while Jaiswal also impressed after missing India’s recent tours of England and Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka Cricket XI set India a target of 207

India started the final day after declaring their first innings, leaving Sri Lanka Cricket XI six runs ahead. Siraj made an immediate impact with the new ball, troubling the hosts with movement and bounce. Prasidh Krishna also struck early as Sri Lanka Cricket XI slipped to 21/2.

Nishan Fernando then steadied the innings with back-to-back partnerships with Pavan Rathnayake and Anjala Bandara. Fernando scored 63 off 73 balls before retiring out, while Bandara made 35 before Ravindra Jadeja brought his innings to an end. Sri Lanka Cricket XI eventually declared at tea, setting India a target of 207.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal lead India’s chase

Gill opened alongside Jaiswal and quickly settled into the chase despite surviving an early lbw appeal. The India captain played positively, using his short-arm shots and drives to keep the scoreboard moving. Jaiswal was even more aggressive, taking on the Sri Lankan spinners with sweeps and attacking strokes through the covers. The opening pair added 105 runs before Jaiswal was retired out after scoring an authoritative 61 off 46 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.

Gill continued briefly before falling for 44 off 54 deliveries, with seven boundaries. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel then added 45 runs, but Jurel was dismissed as India moved closer to the target. Pant opened his account with a six after initially facing 21 dot balls.

Mohammed Siraj seals India’s victory with three sixes

With India needing only a few more runs, Siraj turned the finish into an entertaining one. The fast bowler went on an attacking spree, smashing three sixes on his way to an unbeaten 32. His late hitting helped India complete the 207-run chase without further trouble, giving the visitors a confidence-boosting victory in their warm-up match.

Siraj’s contribution added another highlight to an otherwise useful outing for India. Gill’s 44 provided reassurance about his fitness, while Jaiswal’s aggressive 61 gave the team another positive ahead of the Test. With the warm-up game providing valuable match practice, India will now shift their focus towards the main Test assignment.

Also READ: BCCI unveils replacement of Sai Sudharsan for Sri Lanka Tests

Also READ: Ajinkya Rahane sends strong message to Team India over Rohit Sharma’s 2027 ODI World Cup future





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