Sri Lanka's Bowlers Stage Comeback Against India in Test Match

In a thrilling Test match, Sri Lanka's bowlers, particularly Keshara Nuwantha and Prabath Jayasuriya, mounted a strong comeback against India after rain interruptions. Following a solid start by India's Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a remarkable 167, the hosts managed to restrict India to 364/5 at Tea on Day 2. The match has seen significant performances from both sides, setting the stage for an exciting continuation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 16, 2026, 17:42 IST

Sri Lanka's Bowlers Fight Back After Rain Delay

In the second session of Day 2 of the opening Test, Sri Lanka's debutant pacer Keshara Nuwantha and Prabath Jayasuriya led a determined comeback for the hosts. They managed to restrict India to 364/5 in 94 overs at Tea, following a rain-affected first session that resulted in no play. At this point, Dhruv Jurel (19*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) were at the crease after Sri Lanka dismissed centurion Devdutt Padikkal (167), KL Rahul (82), and Rishabh Pant (39).

With the first session washed out, India resumed their innings from an overnight score of 288/2, with Pant and Padikkal batting. Pant was the first to fall, scoring 39 before being dismissed by Nuwantha. In the 81st over, Pant attempted to attack but mis-timed his shot, resulting in a catch at mid-off by Sonal Dinusha.

KL Rahul returned to the pitch after retiring hurt on Day 1, starting his innings at 77. However, he could only add five runs before being dismissed by Nuwantha for 82 in the 85th over.

Dhruv Jurel then partnered with Devdutt Padikkal, contributing 38 runs together before Padikkal was dismissed for an impressive 167 by Prabath Jayasuriya in the 92nd over. India managed to score 76 runs while losing three wickets, concluding the second session at 364/5.

Day 1 Recap: Padikkal's Century Sets Strong Foundation for India

India finished Day 1 on a high note at 288/2, despite multiple rain interruptions. After Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 in the first session, Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul steadied the innings with a solid 150-run partnership. Padikkal achieved a remarkable century off 134 balls, becoming the first Indian No. 3 to score a Test hundred since Shubman Gill in September 2024. He ended the day unbeaten on 133, while Rahul retired hurt on 77 due to cramps. After Rahul's exit, Gill came in and scored 16 before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya. Rishabh Pant then joined Padikkal, helping India accelerate against the spinners. At stumps, India stood at 288/2, with Padikkal not out on 133 and Pant on 12.