By Arjun 
In the first match of one day tri-series in Dambulla, India A began their Sri Lanka tour with a thrilling eight-run win over Sri Lanka A. The visitors kept their cool at critical junctures in what was, on a demanding surface with variable pace making stroke play difficult, an ever so tight contest.
This match was led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and he played a captain’s innings with a brilliant century. His 21st List A ton with the team coming together after several batting lineups in less than conducive conditions. With the pitch providing something for bowlers all day, his knack of rotating the strike and punishing bad balls enabled India A to set a competitive total.
It also featured the highly-delayed India A debut of 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young prodigy had been the center of attention for fans and media ever since he landed in Sri Lanka up from the initial international stage as his very first game.
Sooryavanshi’s time at the crease was short, but it also showed just how much potential he has. Prabhsimran Singh, quietened down a maiden over as the innings’ first batsman and the 18-year-old made his presence felt with a boundary on his very first ball. He looked mature for his age and smashed three fours in an eventful 14 off just 12 balls.
Read More: Brabourne Stadium: History, Capacity, IPL Matches, Pitch
He had passed fifty when his innings ended in the fourth over, trying to cut an onpcoming full bower from seamer Mohamed Shiraz. A mistimed shot sailed towards mid-off, where Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige executed a delightful dive to send the young lad on his bike.
Sri Lanka A showed great resistance in the chase with Arachchige carrying them through via a spirited knock of 74 runs. But India A kept their nerve in the dying moments to nail their plans and accomplish a narrow win.
There are more chances for Sooryavanshi to impress, with three group-stage matches still to come and maybe an Indian A final if the team progresses. He will be looking to follow up on an encouraging first outing in the Irish line before heading off to his next assignment.