India strengthened their grip on the opening Test in Galle after dismissing Sri Lanka for 284, securing a commanding first innings advantage of 178 runs. Manav Suthar was the standout performer with four wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja added three as the visitors kept the hosts under constant pressure.
Sri Lanka were in serious trouble at 90 for 5 before Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella launched an impressive recovery. The pair added 146 runs for the sixth wicket and frustrated the Indian attack as conditions became easier for batting.
Dinusha went on to register his first Test hundred, while Dickwella produced a valuable 80. His innings ended when Prasidh Krishna found movement from an ageing ball and forced an outside edge.
Suthar made an immediate impact after entering the attack in the eighth over. His first delivery removed Dinesh Chandimal, with the ball turning sharply and taking the glove. He later dismissed Lahiru Udara before returning to clean up the lower order.
Kuldeep Yadav also contributed by removing Kamindu Mendis, helped by an outstanding one handed catch from Shubman Gill at short cover.
Jadeja reached another major career milestone when Keshara Nuwantha was dismissed, making the Indian veteran only the ninth spinner in Test history to claim 350 wickets.
Dinusha eventually reached three figures with support from Prabath Jayasuriya, helping Sri Lanka avoid the follow on. However, Jadeja later trapped the centurion, while Suthar completed his four wicket haul by stumping Lahiru Kumara.
Poor light prevented India from beginning their second innings, costing the visitors 13 overs. With as many as 196 overs potentially remaining, India still have sufficient time to push strongly for victory.
