India finished the second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka on 460-9, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a superb maiden Test century.
Padikkal’s elegant 167 formed the backbone of India’s innings as the visitors maintained a strong position despite repeated interruptions caused by rain and wet conditions in Galle.
Sri Lanka’s Spinners Fight Back
Sri Lanka’s spin attack managed to slow India’s progress and keep the hosts in contention.
Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 4-109, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha took 3-175. Despite their efforts, India maintained a scoring rate of close to four runs per over.
Rain Delays Start of Day Two
Play was expected to begin 15 minutes earlier after only 73 overs were possible on the opening day.
However, persistent rain kept the players inside the dressing room for nearly four hours before the covers could finally be removed and play resumed.
Rahul Falls Short of Century
KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 because of cramps on Saturday, returned to the crease and looked capable of reaching a century.
The opener eventually fell for 82, flicking a Nuwantha delivery into the hands of Nishan Fernando at forward short leg.
Pant Falls on Debutant’s First Test Wicket
Rishabh Pant attempted to accelerate the scoring but was dismissed for 39.
The wicket gave Nuwantha his first Test scalp after Pant charged down the pitch and skied the ball towards deep mid-wicket.
Padikkal’s Brilliant 167 Comes to an End
Padikkal’s outstanding innings finally ended when Jayasuriya lured him out of his crease and had him stumped.
The left-hander struck 15 fours and one six during his maiden Test hundred, playing a crucial role in India’s imposing total.
Jurel Adds Quick Fifty
After Padikkal’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja fell for 13 to Nuwantha.
Dhruv Jurel then provided valuable runs with an attacking 51, helping India push beyond the 450-run mark.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who had earlier dropped Jurel on 29, made amends with a spectacular catch to dismiss the batter.
India Remain in Command
At stumps, Kuldeep Yadav was unbeaten on 12, while Prasidh Krishna was on one.
India’s total of 460-9 leaves them firmly in control of the rain-affected Test, although Sri Lanka’s spinners have ensured the hosts remain within reach of a possible fightback.