India A’s declaration plan
Openers Aayush Pandey (20)* and Devdutt Padikkal (20)* will resume action on Day 4. With a huge advantage in the first innings, India A are expected to score quickly in the morning session and aim to extend their lead to around 325-350 runs before the match is called. Such a goal would leave Sri Lanka A facing a daunting chase while also giving enough time to India’s bowling attack to force a result.
Sai Sudharsan’s health condition still under scan
India A could lose a player who has performed well if needed late in the innings. After a brilliant 132 in the first innings, Sai Sudharsan retired after only four overs heading into India’s second innings. His fitness remains a concern, although the visitors may not need him to bat again if their top order accelerates as planned.
Auqib Nabi leads India’s bowling attack
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi became the game-changer on Day 3 with brilliant figures of 4/58, triggering a dramatic low-down collapse as Sri Lanka A lost their last 5 wickets for just 30 runs. He will once again spearhead India’s pace attack, while spinners Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur are expected to play an increasingly important role in a pitch that will offer more turns and variable bounce as the game progresses.
Sri Lanka A face survival test in the West
For the home team, the first priority is to beat their opponents on the final day to salvage the tie. Their hopes rest mainly on first-innings first-innings pair Nuwanidu Fernando (84), skipper Sahan Araqig (72) and Ashen Bandara (70), who will need to produce another resilient batting to counter an Indian attack that has grown in confidence after dominating the latter stages of the third day.
