India closed day two of their warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI on 357 for 6, with Devdutt Padikkal carrying his bat on an unbeaten 142, according to Sportstar.
The left-handed batter anchored the Indian reply after the side lost early wickets in the three-day fixture, which began on August 7 in Sri Lanka. Gurnoor also contributed with the ball earlier in the match, as reported by Sportstar, though the outlet’s summary does not specify his bowling figures.
Padikkal’s knock came at a crucial time for the touring side, which is using the match to fine-tune preparations ahead of the series. The Times of India noted that his fluent century allows India to “breathe easy,” suggesting the innings eased concerns about the team’s batting depth in subcontinent conditions.
Cricbuzz’s live commentary and Cricinfo’s match report both highlighted Padikkal’s performance as the headline story of the day, with the latter describing his innings as leading India’s reply. The warm-up game is scheduled to run through August 9, giving India two more sessions to test their lineup before competitive action begins.
India’s total of 357 for 6 leaves the match evenly poised, with the lower order still to bat and the Sri Lanka XI yet to face a full day in the field. The remaining wickets and the team’s declaration plans will likely shape the final day’s play.
Attention now turns to how India’s bowlers respond when the Sri Lanka XI resumes its innings, and whether Padikkal can convert his unbeaten century into a match-defining score.
