Sri Lanka draw India after remarkable fightback
Sri Lanka draw India in the second Test in Colombo on Thursday after Sonal Dinusha produced a brilliant unbeaten 133 to rescue the hosts from a difficult position.
The hosts declared their second innings at 429-9 during the final session on the fifth day. India then agreed to end the match without playing the 15 mandatory overs.
India had already won the opening Test. As a result, the visitors secured the two-match series 1-0 despite failing to force another victory in Colombo.
Sri Lanka resumed the final day on 229-6. Dinusha remained at the crease and found strong support from Keshara Nuwantha, who scored 46.
Dinusha leads Sri Lanka resistance
The pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket. Their partnership frustrated India’s bowlers and changed the course of the match.
Manav Suthar finally broke the stand shortly after lunch. The left-arm spinner had Nuwantha caught at second slip for 46.
Ravindra Jadeja then dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya for two. Dinusha continued his resistance, however, and worked with the lower-order batters to take Sri Lanka closer to safety.
The all-rounder completed his second century of the match. He had earlier scored 103 in Sri Lanka’s first innings, making him the standout performer of the Test.
India miss chance to seal victory
India declared their first innings at 503-9. Their bowlers then dismissed Sri Lanka for 290, giving the visitors a commanding lead and allowing them to enforce the follow-on.
Sri Lanka looked in serious trouble at 218-6 during their second innings. Another defeat appeared increasingly likely.
Dinusha and Nuwantha had other plans. Their determined partnership forced India to spend valuable time searching for a breakthrough.
Once Nuwantha departed, Dinusha continued to protect his wicket and guide Sri Lanka’s lower order. His innings eventually ensured that India could not complete the victory.
The Sri Lanka draw India result gives the hosts something positive to take from the second Test, although India leave Colombo with the series victory. Dinusha’s twin centuries also underline his importance to Sri Lanka’s batting effort throughout the match.
