The highly anticipated white-ball summer kicked off with a classic thriller as India-A secured a breathless 8-run victory over Sri Lanka-A in the opening match of the One-Day Tri-Series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on June 09, 2026. In a game that swung like a pendulum under the Dambulla skies, a masterclass century from Ruturaj Gaikwad proved to be the golden systemic difference, helping India-A successfully defend their total in a high-octane finish.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fighting ton guides India-A to a formidable total

After being put in to bat, India-A endured a disastrous start, finding themselves in deep trouble at 16/2 within the first five overs. Openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (14) and Prabhsimran Singh (21) fell in quick succession to Mohamed Shiraz and Chamika Karunaratne respectively. Priyansh Arya showed brief sparks with a quickfire 32 off 32 balls, including 4 fours and a six, before a costly run-out cut his innings short at 69/3.

Unfazed by the crumbling top order, Gaikwad anchored the innings with a brilliant, calculated Player of the Match performance. Gaikwad played the role of sheet anchor to perfection, smashing 101 off 114 deliveries, punctuated by 6 elegant fours and 3 towering sixes. He found an able partner in skipper Tilak Varma, who played a mature, patient knock of 60 from 97 balls. Together, the duo stitched a massive 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket, shifting the momentum entirely back to the visitors.

Following Gaikwad’s departure in the 44th over to Wanuja Sahan (1/35), Ayush Badoni (24 off 18) and a late explosive cameo by Suryansh Shedge (26* off 14 balls) ensured India-A maximized the death overs. Despite a disciplined economic spell from Sahan and two wickets from Shiraz (2/67), India-A finished their quota of 50 overs at a formidable 277/6.

Also READ: Indian batters with most List A centuries ft. Ruturaj Gaikwad

India-A edge past Sri Lanka-A in the first match of ODI Tri Series

Chasing a challenging target of 278, Sri Lanka-A launched a fierce counter-attack. Openers Niroshan Dickwella (47 off 45) and Avishka Fernando (45 off 59) took the attack to the Indian bowlers, forging a commanding 93-run opening stand. However, part-time spinner Badoni turned the game on its head by dismissing both dangerous openers in quick succession, triggering a mini-collapse that saw the hosts slip to 109/3.

Sadeera Samarawickrama kept the chase alive with a gritty 46, but it was skipper Sahan Arachchige who almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Arachchige played a captain’s knock, hammering 74 off 72 balls with 6 Fours and 2 sixes. Just as Sri Lanka-A looked poised to cross the line, the Indian bowling unit, led by stellar spin displays from Anukul Roy (2/49) and Vipraj Nigam (2/46), broke through at crucial junctures.

The match reached its ultimate climax in the final overs. With the tail exposed, Arshad Khan delivered a lethal final spell, cleaning up the lower order to finish with 2/24. Sri Lanka-A lost their final four wickets for just 7 runs, getting bundled out for 269 in 48.5 overs. India-A held their nerve to seal an incredible 8-run win, opening their Tri-Series campaign in spectacular fashion.

1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ Runs
1️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ Deliveries
6️⃣ fours and 3️⃣ Sixes

Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is adjudged the Player of the Match for his fabulous century 👏🫡

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/nwKDTkg1ZY

#TriNationSeries | #SLAvINDA

(Player image Credits: Sri Lanka Cricket). pic.twitter.com/pwSdE4zp5W

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 9, 2026

Also WATCH: Priyansh Arya suffers bizarre run-out after mix-up with Ruturaj Gaikwad in SL-A vs IND-A clash

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