Sharma, Pandey script big win for India A

Twin centuries by Rohit Sharma and Manish Pandey helped India A beat the Sri Lankans by 88 runs in a 50-over warm-up game at the Brabourne Stadium here Thursday.

Put in, India A got off to a quick start with Rohit blasting a 111-ball 142 and a young Unmukt Chand scoring a 43-ball 54. The duo added 96 runs for the first wicket in quick time and set the stage for the huge total of 382 runs for six wickets in 50 overs.

Chand departed in the 13th over edging to Kumar Sangakkara off Lahiru Gamage. Rohit and Pandey (135 not out) then decimated the Sri Lankan bowling with their massive 214-run stand for the second wicket that took India A past the 300-run mark.

Rohit struck 18 fours and a six in his whirlwind knock while Pandey hammered 15 fours and a six during his 113-ball stay. Rohit was run out in the 41st over but Pandey continued his fine hitting and along with skipper Manoj Tiwary (36) added 63 runs for the third wicket.

Tiwary fell in the 49th over with Ashan Priyanjan taking a good catch off Dhammika Prasad, who was the most successful bowler with three for 57. Gamage also got two for 41.

In reply, Sri Lankans managed 294 for nine in 50 overs. Upul Tharanga was the top scorer with 76 off 75 balls while veteran Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene got 34 and 33 respectively.

For the Indians, legspinner Karn Sharma got four for 47 while Dhawal Kulkarni and Parvez Rasool got two wickets each.