Rohit, Pandey tons power India 'A'

 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 on Thursday.

Playing his first match after recovering from a fractured finger and shoulder injury, Rohit 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 - Rohit 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.

Rohit dominated proceedings initially before Chand (52, 39b, 8x4, 1x6) upped the ante.Rohit then forged a 214-run partnership with Pandey. The duo remained aggressive as they sent the bowlers on a leather hunt.

Rohit, playing after a two-month injury layoff, showed no signs of discomfort and took to the attack from the start.

The 27- year-old’s scintillating knock was laced with 18 fours and a six, and included some beautiful cover drives.

The Mumbai batsman fell short of his crease while trying to steal a second run when a direct hit from Lahiru Gamage found the target in the 41st over.

The 25-year old Karnataka batsman, Pandey, however, remained undeterred. His brilliant knock included 15 fours and a six, while skipper Manoj Tiwary chipped in with a cameo, scoring 36 with the help of two sixes and as many fours.

The island nation opted to give a chance to all their 15 members and utilised the services of as many as 10 players in the bowling department.

Bangar impressed

Rohit Sharma showed no signs of the finger injury, said India A coach Sanjay Bangar.“Rohit Sharma showed he’s absolutely fit while batting. He is a quality player.

He didn’t get a game because of the injury. His match fitness had to be assessed and that was the reason the selectors had dropped him (from the first three ODIs against Lanka). He gave a fantastic account of himself.

Bangar also praised Manish Pandey and said the Karnataka batsman’s punishing knock would give him a lot of confidence. He also said the India A bowlers stuck to their plans.