India completed their preparations for the Test series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Cricket XI in the three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on Sunday.

Chasing 207 runs in 45 overs, India finished at 214 for four. The unlikely hero was fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who smashed an unbeaten 32 from just 15 deliveries—including four sixes—to turn a tightening chase into a dramatic victory.

Siraj struck three consecutive sixes in the final over before adding a boundary and a single. India collected 23 runs from the over and crossed the target with six wickets remaining. Cricbuzz’s final scorecard confirmed India’s six-wicket win.

Jaiswal and Gill give India a flying start

Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared their second innings at 200 for six, leaving India a target of 207 in the final 45 overs.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill responded aggressively, adding 100 runs for the opening partnership. Jaiswal, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, struck 61 from 46 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, before retiring to allow other batters time in the middle.

Gill’s return was another encouraging sign for India. The captain had missed the first two days after suffering an injury to his right ring finger, but appeared comfortable during his 44 from 54 balls.

India’s momentum slowed after Gill’s dismissal. Rishabh Pant consumed 68 deliveries for his 28, while Dhruv Jurel scored 17 from 20 balls. The experimental nature of the warm-up match also saw several Indian batters retire after spending time at the crease.

With India at 178 for four and the target beginning to look difficult, Siraj provided the unexpected late assault. His unbeaten innings, containing one four and four sixes, carried India to 214 for four at the end of 45 overs.

Padikkal strengthens claim for No. 3 position

Devdutt Padikkal was India’s standout batter in the first innings, scoring an unbeaten 142 from 164 deliveries. His innings contained 18 boundaries and helped India declare at 357 for six in reply to Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s 363 for eight.

Padikkal’s century has strengthened his claim for the No. 3 position ahead of the first Test. KL Rahul contributed 40, while Ravindra Jadeja scored 63 before retiring. Gurnoor Brar provided late entertainment with an unbeaten 36 from only 18 deliveries.

Indian bowlers get valuable final-day workout

Sri Lanka Cricket XI began the final day with a six-run first-innings advantage and reached 200 for six before declaring.

Nishan Madushka top-scored with 63, while Nipun Dhananjaya contributed 46. Jadeja took two wickets for 33 runs and Brar claimed two for 37. Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up one wicket each.

The result gives India confidence before the two-match Test series. The opening Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, followed by the second Test at the SSC in Colombo from August 23 to 27, according to the BCCI schedule.

Match summary

Sri Lanka Cricket XI: 363/8 declared and 200/6 declared
India: 357/6 declared and 214/4
Result: India won by six wickets
Leading performer: Devdutt Padikkal 142 not out
Final-over hero: Mohammed Siraj 32 not out from 15 balls