 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey hit centuries as India ‘A’ amassed 382 for 6 against Sri Lanka in the tourists’ first warm-up match at the Brabourne Stadium, in Mumbai, on Thursday.
Playing his first match after recovering from a fractured finger and shoulder injury, Rohit scored a brilliant 111-ball 142 before being run-out.
Put in to bat, the home side scored at a brisk pace, openers Rohit and Unmukt Chand carting the bowlers all over the park.
After the first ten overs, they were 72 without loss.
Rohit dominated the proceedings initially, and soon Chand too upped the ante, racing past his opening partner.
The former under-19 World Cup-winning captain continued with his rich vein of form, having previously scored an unbeaten 79 and 101 against the West Indies earlier this month.
The Delhi batsman struck eight fours and a six in his 39-ball 52 before being caught behind by Kumar Sangakkara off Lahiru Gamage.
Rohit, who was on 36 when Chand departed, then forged a 214-run partnership with Manish Pandey. Playing after a two-month injury lay-off, he showed no signs of discomfort and attacked the bowlers from the start.
The 27-year-old's scintillating knock, that included some beautiful cover drives, was laced with 18 fours and a six.
He was run-out in the 41st over, falling short of his crease while trying to steal a second run. A direct hit from Lahiru Gamage dislodged the stumps.
Pandey, Karnataka's 25-year-old batsman, was, however, undeterred and notched an unbeaten 113-ball 135. His brilliant knock included 15 fours and a six, while skipper Manoj Tiwary chipped in with a cameo of 36 comprising two sixes and as many fours.
After putting up a solid display, India ‘A’ lost three quick wickets in the penultimate over but it hardly mattered as, by then, the batsmen had already dented the Lankan bowling.
The island nation opted to give a chance to all their 15 touring members and utilised the services of as many as 10 players in the bowling department.
They replaced Sangakkara after 26 overs and Kusal Perera took his place behind the stumps.
It was a bad day for the Lankan bowling outfit, but Dhammika Prasad was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 57, while Gamage bagged one.
Brief Score: India ‘A’ for in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 142, Manish Pandey 135 not out; Dhammika Prasad 3 for 57, Lahiru Gamage 2 for 41).
Photographs: BCCI