GALLE, Sri Lanka : Sonal Dinusha’s maiden test century gave Sri Lanka a fighting chance, but India remained firmly in control after the hosts were bowled out for 284 on day three of the opening test in Galle on Monday.
Sri Lanka, replying to India’s 462, were dismissed for 284 despite a spirited sixth-wicket partnership of 146 between Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella, who scored 100 and 80 respectively.
India were unable to extend their first-innings lead of 178 after dark clouds and the threat of a storm brought an early end to play.
Sri Lanka lost four wickets for 90 runs in the morning session after India needed only four balls to take their final first-innings wicket.
Mohammed Siraj removed Nishan Fernando for a second-ball duck before India’s spin attack tightened its grip.
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar struck with his first delivery to have Dinesh Chandimal, who made four, caught behind. Lahiru Udara scored 27 before slicing Suthar to backward point.
Shubman Gill then produced a spectacular diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Kamindu Mendis for 14 off Kuldeep Yadav, before Ravindra Jadeja had Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva caught at slip for 21.
At 90-5, Sri Lanka looked in danger of a heavy deficit before Dinusha and Dickwella launched a determined recovery.
Dickwella, playing his first test in three years, was dropped on 20 when KL Rahul spilled a chance at slip and made India pay by helping Dinusha frustrate the visitors throughout the afternoon.
Dickwella eventually fell for 80, caught behind off Prasidh Krishna, but Dinusha went on to reach his maiden test hundred with a single off Suthar.
His 100 included four fours and two sixes before Jadeja dismissed him for 100, trapping him lbw.
Dinusha immediately reviewed the decision after believing he had edged the ball, but UltraEdge showed no contact and he walked off after an impressive innings.
Jadeja finished with 3-57, while Suthar claimed 4-76 as India retained a commanding position.
