Sri Lanka batter Sonal Dinusha produced a determined maiden Test century to help his team avoid the follow-on against India in the opening Test at Galle.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 284, giving India a first-innings lead of 178 runs after India posted 462. Rain then brought an early end to the third day’s play.
Dinusha Rescues Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka were in serious trouble at 90-5 when Dinusha walked to the crease.
The 25-year-old left-hander showed composure against India’s spin-heavy attack and formed a crucial 146-run sixth-wicket partnership with Niroshan Dickwella.
Dinusha eventually reached his first Test century after four hours at the crease, finishing with 100 runs from 168 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
He was eventually dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, who trapped him leg before wicket.
‘Very Special’ Maiden Test Century
Dinusha described his century as a special achievement, particularly given the pressure Sri Lanka were under after losing five early wickets.
“This is a very good Indian attack, and it’s very pleasing to score runs off them,” Dinusha said after play.
He also insisted Sri Lanka remain in the contest despite trailing India by 178 runs.
Dickwella Makes Strong Test Return
Niroshan Dickwella also played an important role in Sri Lanka’s recovery, scoring a valuable 80 in his first Test appearance in more than three years.
The wicketkeeper-batter attacked India’s spinners with regular sweep shots and appeared on course for a century before edging Prasidh Krishna behind.
His innings marked his 23rd Test half-century in 55 matches.
Sri Lanka Avoid Follow-On
Sri Lanka’s lower order helped ensure the team would not be forced to bat again immediately.
Tail-ender Prabath Jayasuriya swept left-arm spinner Manav Suthar for four, taking Sri Lanka beyond the follow-on target.
Dinusha then completed his century shortly afterwards with a single to mid-wicket off Suthar.
Suthar and Jadeja Lead India’s Attack
India’s spinners enjoyed considerable assistance from the Galle surface.
Manav Suthar, playing only his second Test, was India’s most successful bowler with 4-76, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3-57.
Suthar said India’s bowlers focused on maintaining accuracy and creating opportunities despite the conditions.
India Build First-Innings Advantage
India had earlier posted 462, with Devdutt Padikkal leading the scoring with an impressive 167.
KL Rahul contributed 82, while Dhruv Jurel added 51.
Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler was Prabath Jayasuriya, who finished with four wickets.
Rain Continues to Disrupt Test
Weather has been a major factor throughout the opening Test.
The first day lost 17 overs to rain, while only 43 overs were completed on day two. On Monday, 80.2 overs were bowled from the scheduled 98 before rain again interrupted proceedings.
India will now hope for improved weather over the final two days as they look to force a result and take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Sri Lanka Still Have a Chance
Despite trailing by 178 runs, Dinusha believes Sri Lanka can still fight back.
The hosts will need to bowl effectively when India begin their second innings and then produce a significantly stronger batting performance.
With two days remaining, the match remains delicately poised—but India’s substantial first-innings advantage puts them firmly in control.