India A Defeat Sri Lanka A by 8 Runs in Thrilling Triangular ODI Series Opener
India A got off to a winning start in the 2026 Triangular ODI Series, defeating Sri Lanka A by a narrow margin of **8 runs** in a closely contested match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday.
Put in to bat first, India A posted a competitive total of **277/6 in 50 overs**. Sri Lanka A fought hard in the chase but fell short, getting bowled out for **269** in the final over.
### Match Summary
- **India A**: 277/6 (50 overs)
- **Sri Lanka A**: 269 all out (49.3 overs)
### Rituraj Gaikwad Steals the Show
**Rituraj Gaikwad** was the undisputed star of the match, scoring a magnificent **101 runs off 114 balls**, studded with 6 fours and 3 sixes. His composed and classy innings provided the perfect anchor for India A’s batting lineup.
He found excellent support from **Tilak Varma**, who played a mature knock of **60 runs off 97 balls**. The duo forged a crucial **150-run partnership** for the fourth wicket, which turned out to be the turning point of the match.
### India A Innings Highlights
India A had a shaky start as explosive opener **Vaibhav Suryavanshi** was dismissed early for 14. The team was reeling at 16/2 after Prabhsimran Singh departed for just 2 runs.
**Priyansh Arya** (32) and Rituraj Gaikwad then stabilized the innings with a 53-run stand. In the death overs, **Suryansh Shedge** (26* off 14) and **Ayush Badoni** (24 off 18) provided the much-needed acceleration with some clean hitting.
### Sri Lanka A’s Valiant Effort
Chasing 278, Sri Lanka A started aggressively but lost wickets at regular intervals. **Sahana Arachchige** played a valiant knock of **74 runs**, but lacked substantial support from the other end.
Despite a spirited fight, Sri Lanka A could not cross the finishing line and were eventually bowled out for 269.
**Mohammed Siraj** (who was surprisingly playing for Sri Lanka A in this match) picked up **2 wickets** and was the pick of the bowlers for the home side.
### Result & Impact
India A’s disciplined bowling in the death overs proved decisive. The victory gives India A an early psychological advantage in the tri-series, which also features another team (yet to be confirmed).
Rituraj Gaikwad’s century and the strong middle-order partnership were the standout performances of an exciting contest.
This win will boost the confidence of the young India A side as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead in the series.
Stay tuned to **AAJTAK** for more cricket news, match highlights, and exclusive updates from the Triangular ODI Series.
Put in to bat first, India A posted a competitive total of **277/6 in 50 overs**. Sri Lanka A fought hard in the chase but fell short, getting bowled out for **269** in the final over.
### Match Summary
- **India A**: 277/6 (50 overs)
- **Sri Lanka A**: 269 all out (49.3 overs)
### Rituraj Gaikwad Steals the Show
**Rituraj Gaikwad** was the undisputed star of the match, scoring a magnificent **101 runs off 114 balls**, studded with 6 fours and 3 sixes. His composed and classy innings provided the perfect anchor for India A’s batting lineup.
He found excellent support from **Tilak Varma**, who played a mature knock of **60 runs off 97 balls**. The duo forged a crucial **150-run partnership** for the fourth wicket, which turned out to be the turning point of the match.
### India A Innings Highlights
India A had a shaky start as explosive opener **Vaibhav Suryavanshi** was dismissed early for 14. The team was reeling at 16/2 after Prabhsimran Singh departed for just 2 runs.
**Priyansh Arya** (32) and Rituraj Gaikwad then stabilized the innings with a 53-run stand. In the death overs, **Suryansh Shedge** (26* off 14) and **Ayush Badoni** (24 off 18) provided the much-needed acceleration with some clean hitting.
### Sri Lanka A’s Valiant Effort
Chasing 278, Sri Lanka A started aggressively but lost wickets at regular intervals. **Sahana Arachchige** played a valiant knock of **74 runs**, but lacked substantial support from the other end.
Despite a spirited fight, Sri Lanka A could not cross the finishing line and were eventually bowled out for 269.
**Mohammed Siraj** (who was surprisingly playing for Sri Lanka A in this match) picked up **2 wickets** and was the pick of the bowlers for the home side.
### Result & Impact
India A’s disciplined bowling in the death overs proved decisive. The victory gives India A an early psychological advantage in the tri-series, which also features another team (yet to be confirmed).
Rituraj Gaikwad’s century and the strong middle-order partnership were the standout performances of an exciting contest.
This win will boost the confidence of the young India A side as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead in the series.
Stay tuned to **AAJTAK** for more cricket news, match highlights, and exclusive updates from the Triangular ODI Series.
