Dinusha’s Century Delays India as Visitors Take Commanding Lead in Galle Test

Sonal Dinusha’s maiden Test century helped Sri Lanka fight back from 90/5 and deny India the chance to enforce the follow-on on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle.

India, however, remained firmly in control after bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 and taking a 178-run first-innings lead.

Manav Suthar was India’s standout bowler with 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3/57. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket each as India’s spin-heavy attack kept Sri Lanka under pressure for much of the day.

India needed only four balls to wrap up their first innings on Monday morning, with Asitha Fernando dismissing Prasidh Krishna as the visitors were bowled out for 462.

Sri Lanka’s reply began disastrously. Siraj struck with his second delivery to remove Nishan Fernando before Suthar made an immediate impact with his left-arm spin. He dismissed Lahiru Udara, while Kuldeep accounted for Kamindu Mendis with Shubman Gill completing a sharp catch. Jadeja then removed captain Dhananjaya de Silva to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 90/5.

Dinusha, Dickwella Spark Sri Lanka Revival

With Sri Lanka in serious trouble, Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha launched a counterattack. The left-handed pair repeatedly used sweeps and slog-sweeps against India’s spinners, forcing the fielders back and disrupting the visitors’ rhythm.

The sixth-wicket partnership eventually crossed 100 and went on to reach 146 runs. Dickwella brought up his 23rd Test half-century, while Dinusha also passed fifty as Sri Lanka transformed a precarious position into a competitive total.

Dinusha eventually reached his maiden Test century, scoring 100 from 168 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes. Playing just his fourth Test, the left-hander displayed remarkable composure under pressure.

Dickwella fell short of his own century, making 80 from 115 balls with seven fours. Krishna produced a superb delivery with the 62-over-old ball to end his resistance and finally break the partnership.

Jadeja Reaches Another Milestone

Jadeja also reached a major career landmark during Sri Lanka’s innings. By dismissing Keshara Nuwantha, he became only the fifth Indian bowler to take 350 Test wickets, joining Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh.

He also became only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to combine more than 4,000 Test runs with at least 350 wickets. Globally, Jadeja joined Kapil, Ian Botham and Daniel Vettori in the elite 4,000-run and 350-wicket club.

Dinusha’s resistance finally ended when Jadeja dismissed him for 100. Suthar then completed his four-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, giving India a substantial 178-run advantage.

Rain Cuts India’s Progress

India’s commanding position was tempered by the weather. With rain returning late in the day, the umpires were forced to call an early end to play, with 13 overs lost.

India therefore finished the day with a sizeable first-innings lead but limited time remaining to press for victory. With the match already disrupted by rain, the visitors will need to make the most of the available overs on Day 4 if they are to force a result.

A strong start with the bat could allow India to build an imposing second-innings target and put Sri Lanka under further pressure, but the weather remains a crucial factor in determining how aggressively they can pursue victory.