India Strengthen Hold Over Sri Lanka Despite Dinusha’s Fighting Ton in Galle

Sonal Dinusha’s maiden Test century frustrated India’s hopes of enforcing the follow-on, but the visitors still strengthened their position on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, handing India a 178-run first-innings lead before rain ended play early. Manav Suthar led India’s bowling attack with 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3/57. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav picked up one wicket each.

India’s first innings ended within four balls on Monday morning when Asitha Fernando dismissed Prasidh Krishna, leaving the visitors on 462.

Sri Lanka’s response quickly turned into a struggle. Siraj removed Nishan Fernando with his second delivery, before Suthar struck with his first ball. The left-arm spinner went on to dismiss Lahiru Udara, while Kuldeep Yadav removed Kamindu Mendis. Jadeja then sent back Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva as the hosts slipped to 90/5.

Dinusha and Dickwella Lead Fightback

Just when India appeared poised to enforce the follow-on, Niroshan Dickwella and Dinusha launched an aggressive counterattack.

The pair repeatedly attacked India’s spinners with sweeps and slog-sweeps, building a crucial 146-run sixth-wicket partnership. Their approach forced India to spread the field and allowed Sri Lanka to recover significantly.

Dickwella scored 80 off 115 balls, hitting seven fours, while Dinusha remained composed at the other end. The left-hander reached his maiden Test century from 168 balls, striking four fours and two sixes.

Krishna eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Dickwella with an excellent delivery using the older ball. Dinusha followed soon after, falling to Jadeja for 100.

Jadeja Enters Elite Club

Jadeja’s dismissal of Keshara Nuwantha also brought up his 350th Test wicket. He became only the fifth Indian to reach the landmark after Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. The all-rounder also joined Kapil Dev as the only Indians to have scored more than 4,000 Test runs and taken at least 350 wickets. Globally, he became part of an exclusive group alongside Kapil, Ian Botham and Daniel Vettori.

With Dinusha gone, Suthar completed his four-wicket haul and Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 284. India’s 178-run advantage put them firmly in command, but rain once again disrupted proceedings. With 13 overs lost, the visitors had limited time to extend their advantage before stumps.

India now face a race against time and the weather. With a substantial lead already secured, the visitors will look to score quickly on Day 4 and put Sri Lanka under pressure for a result.