Sri Lanka's Bowlers Stage a Comeback Against India in First Test
Sri Lanka's Resilience on Day Two
Prabath Jayasuriya's impressive four-wicket haul highlighted Sri Lanka's spirited effort as they restricted India to 460 runs for nine wickets by the end of a rain-affected second day of the first Test in Galle on Sunday. At the close of play, Prasidh Krishna was not out on one, while Kuldeep Yadav contributed 12 runs.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Shine in Final Session
India commenced the final session at 364 for five, with Dhruv Jurel (4*) and Ravindra Jadeja (19*) at the crease. Keshara Nuwantha made an early breakthrough, dismissing Jadeja for 13 runs off 25 balls.
Jurel and Manav Suthar built a partnership, hitting Lahiru Kumara for three boundaries to bring up India's 400. Jurel reached his half-century, the second of his Test career, in 66 balls, including four fours and a six.
Jayasuryia claimed his third wicket by removing Jurel for 51 runs off 68 balls, breaking the 55-run partnership with Suthar. Asitha Fernando and Jayasuriya helped Sri Lanka finish the day strongly by dismissing Mohammed Siraj (11) and Suthar (24 off 43 balls). Jayasuriya ended with figures of 4 for 109, while Nuwantha took 3 for 175.
Hosts Rally After Rain Disrupts Play
Earlier, Sri Lanka's debutant pacer Keshara Nuwantha and Prabath Jayasuriya led a determined fightback in the second session of Day 2, taking three wickets to reduce India to 364 for five at Tea after the first session was completely washed out due to rain.
Dhruv Jurel (19*) and Ravindra Jadeja (4*) were the Indian batsmen at the crease after Sri Lanka dismissed centurion Devdutt Padikkal (167), KL Rahul (82), and Rishabh Pant (39).
With the opening session lost, India resumed batting from their overnight score of 288 for two, with Pant and Padikkal at the crease. Pant was the first to fall, scoring 39 before being caught by Sonal Dinusha off Nuwantha's bowling. India was then at 307 for three.
KL Rahul returned to the crease after retiring hurt on Day 1 but could only add five runs before being dismissed for 82 by Nuwantha. India was at 319 for four.
Jurel joined Padikkal, adding 38 runs before Padikkal was dismissed for a stellar 167 by Jayasuriya. India ended the final session at 364 for five after 94 overs, having added 76 runs while losing three wickets.
Summary of Day 1
India concluded Day 1 on a high note at 288 for two, despite rain interruptions. After Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32, Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul formed a solid 150-run partnership.
Padikkal scored a remarkable century off 134 balls, becoming the first Indian No. 3 to achieve 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 scored 16 runs before being dismissed by Jayasuriya. Rishabh Pant then joined Padikkal, helping India accelerate against the spinners. At stumps, India stood at 288 for two, with Padikkal not out on 133 and Pant on 12.