Mohammed Siraj produced a stunning late cameo with the bat as India defeated Sri Lanka XI by six wickets in their three-day practice match on Sunday. With India needing 23 runs from the final two overs, the contest appeared destined for a draw. However, Siraj turned the game on its head with a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
Siraj began the assault by launching Sonal Dinusha for a six in the 44th over. He then took Keshara Nuwantha apart in the final over, smashing three more sixes into different areas of the ground. The India pacer finished unbeaten on 32 off just 15 deliveries, completing the chase alongside Saransh Jain.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal had scored a fluent 61 before retiring hurt, while captain Shubman Gill contributed a composed 44 in India’s second innings. Their efforts laid the platform for Siraj to provide the decisive finishing touch.
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Sri Lanka XI had earlier declared at 200, with Nishan Madushka top-scoring with 63 and Nipun Dhananjaya adding 46. Gurnoor Brar and Ravindra Jadeja claimed two wickets each. India had previously declared their first innings at 357 for eight, powered by a magnificent 142 from Devdutt Padikkal and 63 from Jadeja.
Padikkal was the standout performer on Day 2 and strengthened his case for a place in India’s playing XI for the opening Test. The left-hander produced a stylish century, while Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel were unable to capitalise on favourable batting conditions.
DSP GOES 6️⃣ 6️⃣ 6️⃣! 🔥
Mohammed Siraj signs off the warm-up game with three sixes on the trot! 💥 #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #BeautifulGameofTestCricket pic.twitter.com/poApnwLVwu
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 9, 2026
India ended the second day on 357 for eight after 90 overs, with Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 and Jadeja’s gritty 63 retired out among the major highlights. Manav Suthar also impressed with 41 during his maiden overseas international assignment.
The pitch became easier to bat on, allowing Padikkal to showcase his stroke-making range. His 142 included 18 boundaries and came at an important time, with Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the series after failing to recover from a big-toe injury. Padikkal has strengthened his claim for the No. 3 position.
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After Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck off the second delivery while attacking left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando, KL Rahul and Padikkal steadied the innings with a 96-run partnership. Rahul scored 40, while Padikkal gradually shifted gears.
Padikkal’s elegant cover drives, crisp cuts and powerful pulls kept the Sri Lanka XI bowlers under pressure. He was particularly severe against right-arm pacer Ishitha Wijesundara, punishing anything short. His trademark ‘Nataraja Shot’ also made an appearance, underlining the confidence behind an innings that could prove significant ahead of the Test series.
