Devdutt Padikkal remained not out on 107 as India declared their innings on Day 2 of their three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on August 8, 2026. The left-hander reached the three-figure mark with a powerful pull shot through mid-wicket, giving India a much-needed fillip in their first innings reply.
The Karnataka batter was given a lifeline when he was on 99, as the bowler failed to hold on to a caught and bowled. Devdutt Padikkal made the most of the reprieve as he accelerated in the next over, clearing the boundary with a couple of sixes to reach a well-deserved century, punishing the Sri Lanka XI attack in the process.
Devdutt Padikkal Leads India’s Fightback After Early Jaiswal Dismissal
India’s innings got off to a flying start as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a golden duck. Devdutt Padikkal then came together with KL Rahul to put on runs for the team. The left-hander reached 44 from 52 balls as Rahul remained not out on 23 from 48 as India reached 67/1.
Rahul then fell to spin, but Padikkal stayed firm at the other end. After completing his century, he walked back to the pavilion and Rishabh Pant came into the innings as India looked to make a statement on the day.
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Sri Lanka Cricket XI made 363/8 declared in their first innings. Nishan Fernando remained the highest scorer in the company with 66, while Ravindu Rasantha remained unbeaten on 71 and Sonal Dinusha remained on 52. Kuldeep Yadav was the best bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for 76 runs.
Devdutt Padikkal Strengthens Test Credentials Before Sri Lanka Series
The century comes as crucial as the opener looks to stake his claim in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Devdutt Padikkal made his Test debut during the fifth match of the ongoing Test series against England. The left-hander made a composed 65 from 103 balls as he played his first-ever match in India’s whites.
He made his debut in the T20Is against Sri Lanka way back on July 28, 2021. Another vital century in Colombo might assist the Karnataka batter to stake a stronger claim ahead of the Test series.
With three days of the warm-up match remaining, India will be relying on their new men in Test cricket to help lay a solid foundation for the first innings as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja come in the innings to continue from where the opener left off.