Mumbai, Oct 30:
A fit-again Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey slammed strokeful centuries as India A feasted on Sri Lanka’s mediocre attack before registering a comfortable 88-run victory in a warm-up match for the visitors ahead of their ODI series against India, here today.
Playing his first match after recovering from a fractured finger and shoulder injury, Sharma cracked a brilliant 111-ball 142 before getting run out.
Pandey stroked his way to an unbeaten 135 off 113 balls at the Brabourne Stadium.
Invited to bat, India A scored runs at a brisk pace, with the openers – Sharma and Unmukt Chand – carting the bowlers all over the park and helping the team post 72 runs in the first 10 overs. The home team notched up a mammoth 382 for six and in reply, the Sri Lankans were restricted to 294 for nine.
Sharma dominated proceedings initially before Chand, too, upped the ante.
The former U-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 Kumara Sangakkara off Lahiru Gamage.
Sharma, who was on 36 when Chand departed, forged a 214- run partnership with Pandey. The duo remained aggressive as they sent the bowlers on a leather hunt.
Sharma, playing after a two-month injury layoff, showed no signs of discomfort and took to the attack from the start. (PTI)
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