Despite been called on a short notice, Sri Lanka would not have hoped for such an outcome in the opening match of the tour, as the Angelo Mathews-led side faced a thumping 88-run defeat off the hands of India A at Brabourne Stadium on Thursday.
Comeback man Rohit Sharma eased all his frustration of missing some crucial series lately with a splendid hundred on a flat deck. Rohit, who is making a comeback from multiple injuries, along with Manish Pandey powered India A to a massive 381 to seal the deal even before Sri Lanka played.
Rohit (142) not only proved to be a nemesis of underpowered Lankan attacked but also stamped himself as a contender for the Australia tour and final two one-dayers against Sri Lanka, after missing the cut for first three matches.
The pressure of a big total was pretty evident on the touring party and they only managed to score 296 for nine in 50 overs. Karn Sharma played an instrumental role in restricting the Lankan batsmen and finished with an impressive four wickets.
Sri Lankan team kept losing wickets on a regular interval and never got going, despite Upul Tharanga’s fighting fifty. Pacer Dhawal Kulkarni and Parvez Rasool picked two wickets each, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one.
Manish and Rohit made 214 runs stand for the second wicket, before Unmukt Chand and Rohit provide India a swift start. Lankan pacers, however, managed to take quick wickets at the end to restrict the hosts inside 400.
Dhammika Prasad was the most successful bowler and finished with three wicket but rest of the Lankan bowlers faltered in front of the charging Indians.
