Sri Lanka Cricket XI reached 363 for eight at stumps on the opening day of their three-day practice match against India at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground on Friday. India claimed eight wickets while giving their bowlers useful time in the middle ahead of the forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Cricket XI won the toss and elected to bat first, with several of their young batters making promising starts. However, none could convert those opportunities into a century. The home side maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout the day, but India struck regularly enough to prevent any single partnership from taking complete control of the contest.

India captain Shubman Gill did not participate in fielding duties after sustaining an injury during practice overnight. The team management decided to rest him from the field as a precaution. The extent of the injury was not detailed, adding another fitness concern for a touring squad already dealing with injuries and questions surrounding form.

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Ravindra Jadeja finished the day with two wickets and produced an important late breakthrough by dismissing Mendis. The batter attempted to cut a delivery that skidded through, edging it to Devdutt Padikkal at slip. Padikkal completed a sharp catch, allowing Jadeja to end his spell with encouraging returns before the Test series.

Manav Suthar also impressed with his control, line and length. He removed Sonal late in the day after the batter attempted a sweep and was adjudged leg before wicket. Kuldeep Yadav bowled an extended spell, while Gurnoor Brar and the other Indian bowlers were given opportunities as the visitors assessed their available combinations.

India will view the opening day as a productive exercise despite conceding 363 runs. The primary objective of the warm-up match is to allow the players to adjust to local conditions and evaluate their readiness for potentially dry, spin-friendly pitches. Sri Lanka Cricket XI will resume from 363 for eight on Day 2, with India seeking the final two wickets before beginning their first innings.

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