India Take 178-Run Lead Over Sri Lanka After Dinusha-Dickwella Fightback

Galle: India strengthened their position in the first Test against Sri Lanka after bowling the hosts out for 284 on Day 3 in Galle on Monday. The visitors secured a substantial 178-run first-innings lead after Sri Lanka struggled early in their reply to India’s 462.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 90 for five during the opening session, putting India firmly in control. Mohammed Siraj provided an early breakthrough before India’s spinners took charge of the innings.

Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja led India’s attack, causing major problems for the Sri Lankan batters. Suthar finished with four wickets for 76 runs, while Jadeja claimed three wickets for 57 runs.

However, Sri Lanka found a way back into the contest through Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella. The pair put together a crucial 146-run partnership for the sixth wicket after the hosts had slipped to 90/5.

Dickwella played a resilient innings of 80 before being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna, bringing an end to the important partnership.

Dinusha continued his fight and reached his maiden Test century. He scored 100 runs from 168 balls, including four fours and two sixes, giving Sri Lanka some hope of reducing India’s advantage.

India eventually dismissed Sri Lanka for 284, securing a 178-run lead. The result left the visitors in a commanding position heading into the remaining days of the Test.

Ravindra Jadeja also reached a major milestone during the innings by completing his 350th Test wicket, further adding to India’s strong performance with the ball.

India had earlier posted 462 in their first innings, with Devdutt Padikkal making a commanding 167 and KL Rahul contributing 82.

The weather also played a significant role on Day 3. Rain and gloomy conditions forced an early end to play, leaving India with a strong advantage but limiting the amount of cricket possible during the day.

With two days remaining, India will look to build on their substantial lead and put further pressure on Sri Lanka, while the hosts will hope the weather and conditions can provide them with an opportunity to fight back.