India fought back with timely wickets after Sri Lanka XI recovered from an early wobble on the opening day of the three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar produced a crucial breakthrough to halt the hosts' progress after they had rebuilt their innings through a determined middle-order effort. Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja also struck to keep India in the contest as the visitors used the fixture to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The practice game is India's only warm-up fixture before the Test campaign and offers valuable match time for both experienced players and those pushing for places in the playing XI.

Sri Lanka XI elected to bat first after winning the toss, with KL Rahul leading the Indian side in place of regular captain Shubman Gill. Gill missed the opening day's action after suffering an impact injury to his right ring finger, prompting Rahul to step in for the toss and captaincy duties. The decision to bat allowed the hosts to test themselves against India's attack under match conditions, and despite losing wickets at regular intervals early in the innings, they gradually settled into a rhythm. The contest quickly developed into a useful examination of India's bowling depth and fielding discipline ahead of the Test series.

A significant contribution came from opener Nishan Madushka, who played an entertaining knock of 66 from just 65 deliveries. The right-hander mixed caution with positive strokeplay, punishing loose deliveries and ensuring the scoreboard continued to move despite India's disciplined bowling. His innings gave Sri Lanka XI the platform they needed after the early setbacks. However, just as he looked set for a bigger score, Madushka's stay at the crease ended in unfortunate fashion when he was run out, handing India an important breakthrough without the bowlers having to force an error.

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Following Madushka's dismissal, Ahan Wickramasinghe and Pavan Rathnayake combined to steady the innings with a composed partnership. The duo showed patience against India's spin attack while capitalising on scoring opportunities whenever they arose. Their stand briefly shifted momentum back in Sri Lanka XI's favour, forcing India to search for another breakthrough. Jadeja answered that challenge by dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara, while Manav Suthar later struck at a crucial stage to prevent the hosts from building an even stronger partnership. Those wickets ensured India remained firmly in the contest despite Sri Lanka XI's recovery.

Although the match does not carry official international status, it represents an important opportunity for India's players to adapt to local conditions before the Test series begins. The team management will closely monitor the performances of both batters and bowlers, particularly those competing for spots in the final playing XI. Bowlers will aim to build rhythm and consistency, while batters are expected to spend as much time at the crease as possible if given the opportunity. With spin expected to play a significant role during the Test series, performances from Jadeja and Suthar could prove especially encouraging for the visitors.

As play progresses, both teams are likely to focus less on the result and more on preparation, combinations and individual performances. India will hope to wrap up the remaining Sri Lanka XI wickets quickly before giving their batting unit an extended outing, while the hosts will look to push their total as high as possible and test India's bowlers over long spells. With several senior players returning to red-ball action and younger cricketers eager to impress, the remainder of the warm-up match promises to offer valuable insights ahead of the much-anticipated two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka.

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