India tailender Gurnoor Brar provided a late burst of entertainment in the final over of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, leaving the Indian dugout delighted. Brar took on left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera and smashed four sixes in the over to produce a stunning finish for India.
It appeared Brar had been given the freedom to attack, and he made full use of it. After Devdutt Padikkal took a single off the first ball, Brar went after Sudeera, hitting back-to-back sixes on two occasions. His clean hitting took India past the 350-run mark, a total that did not look likely when the final over began.
Brar first launched the second delivery over deep mid-wicket before going straight down the ground for another maximum. He then swept the next ball for a boundary but could not find the gap. The right-hander went aerial again, clearing deep mid-wicket for his third six, before finishing the over in style with another maximum over deep extra cover.
Brar’s fours gave India a strong finish and showcased his ability with the bat. In the Indian dugout, head coach Gautam Gambhir could not hide his delight as he applauded the tailender’s attacking display.
Padikkal – The star of Day 2
Meanwhile, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 142 and was the standout batter for India on the day, strengthening his case for a place in the playing XI for the first Test. With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the series after failing to recover from his injury, Padikkal now looks well placed to take up the No. 3 spot.
India ended the second day on 357/8 after 90 overs. Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 was the highlight of the innings, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed a gritty 63 before retiring out. Manav Suthar also impressed with a valuable 41 on his maiden overseas assignment. Gurnoor Brar then provided the late fireworks, smashing four sixes in the final over to add 25 runs and take India past 350.
The biggest disappointment for India was Rishabh Pant, who fell for just two after playing another loose shot against off-spinner Mendis, who finished with 2/77. Pant tried to hit against the turn over long-on, but only managed to find the leading edge, which flew to long-off. Dhruv Jurel also failed to make an impact, departing for one as his struggles against spin continued.
