The Indian team consolidated their dominance in the opening Test match against Sri Lanka by dismissing the home side for 284 runs on the third day at Galle International Stadium. Resuming their initial turn at the crease from an overnight score of 460/9, India managed to add just a couple of runs to their tally before losing their final wicket, leaving the hosts facing a formidable task against a hefty first-innings total.
The home team’s reply got off to a terrible start as the Indian bowling attack dismantled the top order, reducing them to a precarious 90/5. Nevertheless, right when India seemed poised to dominate proceedings entirely, Sonal Dinusha alongside Niroshan Dickwella launched an extraordinary counter-offensive to pull Sri Lanka back into contention.
Manav Suthar dismantles the Sri Lankan top order
India’s opening innings concluded at 462 runs following the dismissal of Prasidh Krishna for a duck, which left Kuldeep Yadav stranded at the crease with an unbeaten 13. The Sri Lankan team subsequently experienced a dreadful beginning to their batting effort. Mohammed Siraj made a breakthrough on only his second ball of the innings by sending Nishan Madushka back for a duck. Shortly after, Manav Suthar generated instant pressure, causing significant trouble for the local batters through sharp turn and extra bounce.
The left-arm orthodox spinner claimed Dinesh Chandimal‘s wicket with his opening delivery of the spell, which was soon followed by the departure of Lahiru Udara as he mistimed a cut stroke. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in as well, enticing Kamindu Mendis to dance down the track, which resulted in a brilliant one-handed catch by Shubman Gill to secure the breakthrough. Ravindra Jadeja then entered the bowling mix to send Dhananjaya de Silva back to the pavilion, plunging Sri Lanka into a deep crisis at 90/5.
Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella spearhead Sri Lanka’s resurgence
Finding their team five wickets down, Dinusha and Dickwella initiated a brilliant counter-attacking display. The duo took the fight to the Indian spin attack, executing bold sweeps and creative shots, especially as the ball lost its hardness. This sixth-wicket stand quickly shifted the momentum of the game.
The pair combined for a crucial 146-run stand, steering Sri Lanka comfortably past the 200-run milestone and eliminating any realistic chance of India enforcing a follow-on. Both players raised their bats for well-earned half-centuries, with Dickwella adopting a highly combative approach against the slow bowlers. At the other end, Dinusha compiled his runs with immense poise, steadily progressing toward a major personal milestone.
Sonal Dinusha secures first Test ton before India reclaim supremacy
Dinusha reached his inaugural Test hundred during the evening session, finalizing a sensational rebuilding effort for the home side. His century guaranteed that Sri Lanka cruised past the follow-on mark, keeping them competitive in the match. Nonetheless, India eventually dismantled the partnership when Prasidh Krishna got the better of Dickwella for 80 runs, finding his outside edge with a precise delivery to end their vital 146-run alliance.
Following Dickwella’s departure, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting line-up folded in rapid succession. Jadeja and Suthar made quick work of the tailenders, with Jadeja achieving his 350th Test scalp during this dominant phase. Suthar wrapped up a four-wicket performance by sending Lahiru Kumara back, whereas Jadeja registered final figures of 3 for 57. Sri Lanka’s innings wrapped up at 284, giving the Indian side a commanding 178-run lead from the first innings.
Inclement weather and fading light subsequently forced a premature conclusion to the day’s play, restricting India’s opportunity to immediately expand their lead. Nonetheless, with the touring side possessing a healthy cushion and Sri Lanka bowled out completely, the Indian team maintains a strong grip on the match as they prepare for the subsequent phase of this Test.
