India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: Dinusha Keeps Hosts Alive on Day 3

COLOMBO — Sonal Dinusha once again became the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting as the hosts fought to stay in the second Test against India, reaching 265/8 at stumps on a rain-affected third day at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Tuesday.

Dinusha was unbeaten on 85 from 137 balls when rain brought an early end to play. His innings included six fours and two sixes. Lahiru Kumara was with him on eight not out as Sri Lanka closed 238 runs behind India’s first-innings total of 503/9 declared.

The position remained heavily in India’s favour, but Dinusha’s resistance prevented the hosts from being bowled out inside three days and gave Sri Lanka a chance to reduce the deficit further on the fourth morning.

Dinusha carries Sri Lanka again

The 25-year-old all-rounder has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable performers during the series. He had already scored his maiden Test century in the opening match in Galle, where his 100 helped Sri Lanka post 284 in their first innings despite India eventually winning by 165 runs.

In Colombo, Dinusha again found himself batting with the lower order as wickets fell around him.

Sri Lanka resumed Day 3 at 8/2 after India’s bowlers had struck twice late on the second evening. The hosts made a better start on Tuesday, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara completing his maiden Test half-century and Sri Lanka moving to 130/4 by lunch.

India, however, continued to create pressure through the middle of the innings.

Prasidh Krishna produced important breakthroughs, while Manav Suthar also claimed wickets as India gradually worked through Sri Lanka’s middle order. At tea, Sri Lanka were 216/7, with Dinusha unbeaten on 52 and still carrying much of the responsibility for the home side.

Sooriyabandara provides valuable support

Pasindu Sooriyabandara played an important role before India finally ended his resistance.

The young batter scored 80, his maiden Test fifty, and spent a substantial period at the crease alongside Dinusha. Ravindra Jadeja eventually dismissed him, ending a partnership that had given Sri Lanka some breathing room after the early setbacks.

Dinusha then took responsibility for the lower-order innings.

With Sri Lanka still well short of avoiding the follow-on, every run became increasingly valuable. Dinusha continued to rotate the strike and attack when opportunities appeared, eventually moving into the 80s before rain interrupted the match.

By the close, Sri Lanka had reached 265/8 and needed another 39 runs to avoid the follow-on based on the day’s score.

India remain firmly in control

India’s advantage was established during the first two days.

After choosing to bat first, India posted 503/9 declared, with Dhruv Jurel making an unbeaten 115 and Devdutt Padikkal contributing a century. Rishabh Pant also made a rapid 63, helping India build a total large enough to put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.

India then struck twice before the end of the second day, leaving Sri Lanka at 8/2.

The hosts responded much better on Day 3, but India still removed six wickets during the day. Dinusha’s unbeaten innings was therefore particularly important in keeping Sri Lanka’s total moving.

Rain also played a part. The second session was delayed because of a wet outfield, and the weather eventually forced an early close.

What happens on Day 4

Sri Lanka will resume with Dinusha and Kumara at the crease, still needing 39 runs to move beyond the follow-on target.

For India, the immediate objective will be to take the remaining two wickets and decide how aggressively to pursue the match from there. Sri Lanka’s ability to extend its first innings could influence how much time India has available to press for a second consecutive victory in the series.

For Dinusha, the task is simpler: continue the innings that has once again kept Sri Lanka competitive against a dominant Indian attack.

The second Test remains firmly tilted towards India, but Sri Lanka’s lower order has made sure the match has not moved as quickly as it might have appeared after the first two days.