Devdutt Padikkal’s Unbeaten 142 Puts India Within Six Runs of Sri Lanka XI

India produced a strong batting display on the second day of their tour match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI, finishing on 357 for 9, just six runs behind the hosts’ overnight total of 363 for 8.

Devdutt Padikkal led the way with a composed and unbeaten 142 off 164 balls, anchoring India’s response on a pitch that offered considerable assistance to the spinners. Padikkal initially retired out after completing his century but returned later in the day to guide India through the final session.

Ravindra Jadeja also impressed with a valuable 63 off 117 deliveries, while KL Rahul contributed 40 from 67 balls and Manav Suthar scored a patient 41 off 90.

India’s day began poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed with only the second ball of the innings, edging a drive to backward point. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel also failed to make an impact, falling for single-digit scores.

However, Rahul and Padikkal steadied the innings with a 96-run partnership. The pair scored at a healthy rate before Rahul was bowled by offspinner Kesara Nuwantha after attempting a swipe at a delivery that turned sharply off the surface.

Jadeja then joined Padikkal and continued India’s recovery. Their 72-run partnership took India to 168 before Padikkal reached his century with a powerful pull shot. He retired immediately after completing the milestone.

The Sri Lanka XI briefly regained control as Pant and Jurel fell in quick succession, but Jadeja and Suthar responded with another fifty-plus partnership. Jadeja eventually retired out, followed by Kuldeep Yadav, who scored just one run from 15 deliveries before retiring.

Suthar was dismissed soon after, trapped leg before wicket by a delivery that appeared to pitch just outside leg stump.

Padikkal subsequently returned to the crease and resumed his innings without any signs of disruption. He combined with Jain for an entertaining 83-run partnership. Jain scored 22 from 45 balls, including three boundaries, before retiring out.

At the other end, Padikkal continued to dominate, while Gurnoor Brar provided the late fireworks. Brar smashed 36 off just 18 deliveries, including four sixes, to take India close to the Sri Lanka XI's total before the close of play.

India will enter the next stage of the match with just six runs separating the two sides, having given several of their batters valuable time in the middle. Padikkal’s unbeaten century and useful contributions from Jadeja, Rahul and Suthar were the major positives from India’s second day.