India Remain in Command at Galle Despite Sonal Dinusha’s Maiden Test Century
India maintained a strong grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle despite a determined fightback from the hosts, with Sonal Dinusha scoring his maiden Test century on a rain-shortened third day.
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After India posted a commanding 462 in their first innings, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, leaving the visitors with a substantial 178-run lead heading into Day 4.
Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella produced Sri Lanka's biggest resistance of the innings, combining for a 146-run sixth-wicket partnership after the hosts had slumped to 90 for 5. However, India's spinners eventually regained control, with Manav Suthar taking four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three.
Sri Lanka Collapse After Losing Early Wickets
Sri Lanka began the third day by dismissing India's final batter, with Prasidh Krishna falling to Asitha Fernando after India added only two runs to their overnight score of 460 for 9.
The hosts would have hoped to build momentum immediately, but Mohammed Siraj struck with just the second ball of Sri Lanka's reply.
Nishan Fernando edged Siraj to first slip for a second-ball duck, putting early pressure on the Sri Lankan batting order.
Manav Suthar then made an immediate impact. Introduced early in the innings, the young left-arm spinner claimed a wicket with his very first delivery, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for four.
Suthar continued to trouble the batters and later removed Lahiru Udara after the opener had made a positive 27, while Shubman Gill produced an outstanding one-handed catch at short extra cover to dismiss Kamindu Mendis for 14.
When Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 21, the hosts were reduced to 90 for 5 and appeared to be heading towards a heavy collapse.
Dinusha and Dickwella Lead Sri Lanka Fightback
With Sri Lanka in serious trouble, Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella changed the momentum of the innings.
Dinusha, batting at No. 6 and playing only his fourth Test, showed impressive composure under pressure. Dickwella, meanwhile, brought his aggressive strokeplay to the partnership in his first Test appearance in three years.
The pair added 146 runs for the sixth wicket, becoming only the second Sri Lankan pair to record a century partnership for that wicket against India after the hosts had lost their first five wickets before reaching 100.
Dickwella was given an important reprieve when KL Rahul dropped a difficult chance at slip. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper made India pay, reaching a valuable 80 before Prasidh Krishna eventually found his edge and had him caught behind.
Dinusha continued to hold the innings together and eventually reached his maiden Test century.
His unbeaten resistance finally ended soon afterwards when Jadeja trapped him lbw for exactly 100. Dinusha reviewed the decision, believing he had edged the ball, but UltraEdge showed no contact.
His innings included four fours and two sixes and proved crucial in helping Sri Lanka avoid an even heavier defeat.
Suthar Continues His Impressive Test Start
Manav Suthar once again demonstrated why he is being viewed as an exciting prospect for India's Test bowling attack.
The 24-year-old finished with 4 for 76, playing a central role in breaking Sri Lanka's top order and keeping pressure on the hosts throughout the innings.
Suthar also credited the Sri Lankan bowlers for helping him understand how to operate on the Galle surface, particularly the importance of consistency and varying his pace at the right moments.
The youngster has also benefited from working alongside veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Suthar highlighted Jadeja's remarkable ability to bowl repeatedly in the same area regardless of what the batter attempts, describing his consistency as something he hopes to learn from the experienced left-arm spinner.
Jadeja Reaches Another Major Milestone
The third day was also memorable for Ravindra Jadeja.
By dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva, Jadeja reached 350 Test wickets, becoming only the fifth Indian bowler to achieve the milestone.
He finished the innings with 3 for 57, adding another significant contribution to India's commanding position.
Jadeja also joined an elite group of all-rounders who have accumulated more than 4,000 Test runs and 350 wickets.
The list includes:
| Player | Test Runs | Test Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Kapil Dev | 5,248 | 434 |
| Ian Botham | 5,200 | 383 |
| Daniel Vettori | 4,531 | 362 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 4,108+ | 350+ |
India Take a 178-Run Lead
India's first innings had already placed them in an excellent position.
Devdutt Padikkal produced the standout performance with a magnificent 167, while KL Rahul added 82 and Dhruv Jurel contributed a valuable 51.
Sri Lanka's bowling attack was led by Prabath Jayasuriya, who finished with 4 for 109, while Keshara Nuwantha claimed three wickets.
However, Sri Lanka's response never reached the required level until Dinusha and Dickwella launched their counterattack.
After the hosts were finally dismissed for 284, India held a 178-run first-innings advantage.
The visitors were unable to begin their second innings before the end of play, as worsening weather and dark clouds forced an early finish in Galle.
India in Strong Position Heading into Day 4
Despite Dinusha's outstanding century, India remain firmly in control of the Test.
Sri Lanka's sixth-wicket partnership prevented the hosts from being completely overwhelmed, but India's strong first-innings total and disciplined bowling attack have left them with a significant advantage.
With a 178-run lead already secured, India can now focus on building further pressure in their second innings before attempting to force a result.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need another major effort from their bowlers and batters if they are to keep the match alive.
Brief scores: India 462 (Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82; Prabath Jayasuriya 4-109, Keshara Nuwantha 3-175) Sri Lanka 284 (Sonal Dinusha 100, Niroshan Dickwella 80; Manav Suthar 4-76, Ravindra Jadeja 3-57)
India lead by 178 runs.