India continued to strengthen their position against Sri Lanka after crossing the 400-run mark in the first innings. The visitors reached 441/7 after 110.3 overs, with Dhruv Jurel and Manav Suthar making valuable contributions. The young wicketkeeper-batter scored a patient 51 off 68 balls, striking four fours and one six. His 75.00 strike rate reflected an attacking approach while providing stability to India’s lower order. Jurel’s dismissal came after he had brought up a crucial half-century. He was caught by Dhananjaya de Silva off Prabath Jayasuriya after adding 51 runs.
Manav Suthar then continued India’s resistance with an unbeaten 21 off 38 deliveries. The left-hander struck two boundaries and maintained a strike rate of 55.26. He remained at the crease alongside Mohammed Siraj, who was unbeaten on 8 from just four balls, including one six. Earlier, Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with a magnificent 167 from 230 balls, while KL Rahul contributed 82 off 175 deliveries. Rishabh Pant added 39 from 62 balls, while Shubman Gill made 16. Ravindra Jadeja scored 13 before being dismissed by Keshara Nuwantha. With India at 441/7, Suthar’s continued presence gives the visitors another opportunity to push towards a formidable first-innings total.
Devdutt Padikkal misses out on double century while KL Rahul falls after 82 in first Test match against Sri Lanka
Devdutt Padikkal missed out on a well-deserved double century after being dismissed for a magnificent 167 against Sri Lanka in Galle. The elegant left-hander faced 230 deliveries and struck 15 fours and one six during his marathon innings. Having completed his maiden Test century on Day 1, the stylish batter continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack on the second day. He crossed 150 and appeared settled for a possible double century before Prabath Jayasuriya ended his impressive knock. Padikkal was stumped by Niroshan Dickwella, falling just 33 runs short of the landmark. His 167 nevertheless became a defining contribution to India’s first-innings total.
KL Rahul’s determined return to the crease ended with a valuable 82 on Day 2 against Sri Lanka. The experienced right-hander had retired hurt on 77 the previous day after suffering severe cramps. He resumed his innings after rain delayed play in Galle and added five runs to his overnight score. The veteran batter eventually fell after facing 175 deliveries, finishing with 10 fours and one six. Keshara Nuwantha cramped him for room, and Nishan Fernando completed a sharp catch at short leg. His dismissal came after a crucial contribution that helped India maintain their strong position. The composed opener’s 82 also extended his partnership impact after his injury scare.
