GALLE, Sri Lanka — In an impressive display of batting, Sonal Dinusha scored his first Test century, helping Sri Lanka recover from a tough position during the first Test match against India. On Day 3, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 284 runs, but Dinusha’s 100 runs off 168 balls provided a much-needed boost for the team.
Dinusha’s innings included four boundaries and two sixes. He formed a crucial partnership with Niroshan Dickwella, who contributed 80 runs, as they put together a solid stand of 146 runs for the sixth wicket. This partnership was vital since Sri Lanka had stumbled to 90 for 5 earlier in their innings. In contrast, India had set a formidable total of 462 runs in their first innings.
India’s bowlers made a strong start to the day. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Nishan Madushka for a duck on just his second ball. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar quickly made an impact as well, getting Dinesh Chandimal caught behind with his very first delivery.
Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Udara managed to resist for a while, adding 26 runs for the third wicket until Suthar broke the partnership by catching Udara at point. Shortly after, Shubman Gill made an astonishing one-handed catch at cover off Kuldeep Yadav to send Mendis back to the pavilion.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored 21 runs, added 31 runs alongside Dinusha for the fifth wicket before falling to Ravindra Jadeja just before lunch.
As the match continued, Dinusha anchored the innings while Dickwella kept the runs flowing until India failed to take a wicket in the second session.
After the tea break, Prasidh Krishna made the breakthrough by dismissing Dickwella, who fell just short of his century. Meanwhile, Dinusha reached his hundred off 167 balls, showcasing his skill and patience.
India struck back again when Jadeja claimed his 350th Test wicket by dismissing debutant Keshara Nuwantha for just 2 runs and later trapped Dinusha lbw. Although Dinusha reviewed the decision, it was upheld.
Suthar continued to shine, returning to get Prabath Jayasuriya out and finally wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings by stumping Lahiru Kumara. He ended with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 76 runs on his first overseas Test appearance, while Jadeja finished with 3 wickets for 57 runs.
Due to fading light, play was called off early on Day 3. Before that, India added two runs to their overnight score of 460 for 9, with Devdutt Padikkal top-scoring at 167 runs.
