Galle, Aug 17: Sri Lanka fought back strongly against India on Day 3 of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, with Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha scoring unbeaten half-centuries.
Sri Lanka reached 214/5 at tea, still trailing India by 248 runs after India made 462 in their first innings. Dickwella was unbeaten on 71, while Dinusha remained not out on 62.
The two batters added an unbeaten 124 runs for the sixth wicket, helping Sri Lanka recover from 99/5. Both played patiently against India’s spin attack while using sweep shots effectively to keep the scoreboard moving.
Dickwella, playing his first Test in three years, completed his 23rd Test half-century. Dinusha also reached his second Test fifty and provided valuable support at the other end.
India tried several bowling combinations, with captain Shubman Gill rotating between spin and pace. However, the visitors could not find another breakthrough during the session.
India’s first innings was led by Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 167, while KL Rahul made 82. Sri Lanka’s bowlers had earlier taken five wickets to leave India at 462.
Sri Lanka still face a significant deficit, but the partnership has given the hosts an opportunity to reduce India’s advantage and avoid the follow-on.
With the final session remaining, Sri Lanka will look to continue their resistance, while India will aim to break the partnership and regain control of the match.