India A vs Sri Lanka A, Day 4 Unofficial Test: Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal extend India’s lead

IND A vs SL A: India A will look to strengthen their momentum in the 1st Unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A when play resumes on Day 4 at the Galle International Stadium. With a commanding lead of 170 runs and all 10 second-innings wickets short, the visitors are in control and will look to establish a fourth-innings lead before pushing for victory on the final day. The opening session is expected to be crucial, with India A having to adopt an aggressive approach to extend their lead past the 300-run mark before declaring and giving the bowlers enough time to exploit the deteriorating Galle pitch.

India A Declaration Plan
Openers Aayush Pandey (20)* and Devdutt Padikkal (20)* will resume the innings on Day 4. With plenty of chances to start early, India A are expected to make a quick run in the morning, with the aim of stretching their lead around 325-350 runs before declaring. Such a target would leave Sri Lanka A with a dangerous chase while giving India’s bowling attack enough time to force a result.

Sai Sudharsan’s fitness remains under the scanner
India A could be without one of their best all-rounders if they need it later. After making a world-class 132 in the first innings, Sai Sudharsan retired with four overs to spare in India’s second innings. His fitness remains a concern, although the visitors may not want him to bat again if their top order goes as quickly as planned.

Auqib Nabi leads India’s bowling attack
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi turned out to be the game-changer on Day 3 with leading figures of 4/58, leading to a dramatic decline as Sri Lanka A lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs. They will also lead India’s pace attack, while pacers Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur are expected to provide quick action on a pitch that should bring in more turn and dynamic flexibility as the game progresses.

Sri Lanka A face a tough test to survive
For the hosts, the most important thing is to take the last day to save the recording. Their hope will be mainly on openers Nuwanidu Fernando (84), captain Sahan Arachchige (72), and Ashen Bandara (70), who will need to put in another strong effort against an Indian attack that has grown in confidence after dominating the latter stages of the third day.