Sonal Dinusha produced another outstanding Test innings as Sri Lanka escaped with a memorable draw against India in the second Test at the SSC in Colombo.
The left hander remained unbeaten on 133, adding to the 103 he scored in the first innings. It was his third century in four innings and another major statement from a player appearing in only his fifth Test. Across both innings, Dinusha faced a remarkable 426 deliveries and showed tremendous discipline against a tiring Indian attack.
Sri Lanka had been asked to follow on, forcing India to send down 243.4 overs across consecutive innings. The hosts relied heavily on Dinusha and their lower order to survive the final day.
Keshara Nuwantha provided crucial support during the opening session, combining with Dinusha for 112 runs from 246 balls for the seventh wicket. Manav Suthar finally removed Nuwantha after lunch, leaving Sri Lanka only 117 runs ahead with plenty of time remaining.
Prabath Jayasuriya then occupied the crease for 71 deliveries before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him. Lahiru Kumara followed with an exceptionally patient contribution, making 12 from 90 balls during a 47 run partnership that lasted 170 deliveries.
By the time Kumara departed, Sri Lanka were closing in on safety. Dinusha and Asitha Fernando survived another 56 balls before the contest ended, with Sri Lanka eventually stretching their advantage to 216.
India’s spinners carried a huge workload. Suthar, Jadeja and Saransh Jain each delivered more than 35 overs in Sri Lanka’s second innings and over 55 across the match.
Mohammed Siraj came closest to troubling Dinusha with a short delivery after lunch, although the chance never developed into a realistic dismissal.
Dinusha completed a superb series with 419 runs at an extraordinary average of 139.66, finishing as the central figure in Sri Lanka’s determined fightback.
