Nuwantha, Jayasuriya make an impact but India well ahead

On the second day of Test cricket, Keshara Nuwantha demonstrated a significant improvement on his second day of play, but India managed to maintain their advantage with a formidable first-innings total. Despite Devdutt Padikkal's overnight score of 131 increasing to 167, Dhruv Jurel's half-century, and India reaching 460 for 9 in the available 43 overs after rain disrupted the initial half of the day, Nuwantha dominated with an unbroken 16-over spell before Prabath Jayasuriya added to his solitary wicket from the previous day.

India's batting showed a sense of urgency, starting from 288 for 2, Rishabh Pant hitting a four off the first delivery and quickly getting out to a catch at wide mid-off. Sri Lanka's turnaround came when they utilized the second new ball early in the day, relying on Nuwantha's sharp turn, accuracy, and variation. He dismissed Pant and KL Rahul, the latter coming back from cramps to add an impressive 36 to his overnight score, finishing on 167.

Padikkal continued his excellent form, adding 36 to his overnight tally, and managed to reach the milestone of 150 runs with a nonchalant flick from Asitha Fernando. Despite Jayasuriya's efforts, Sri Lanka's hopes of containing India were dashed by a crucial 55-run partnership between Jurel and Manav Suthar, who showed disdainful pulls for fours off Lahru Kumara.

Jayasuriya was caught at slip following Jurel's half-century. In a move that further encouraged India, Jayasuriya was off to a catch at long-on after a stunning slip catch from Dhananjaya de Silva. India then promoted Mohammed Siraj, who hit Nuwantha for a massive six before being bowled by Asitha. The final scores were India 460 for 9 in 116 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82, Dhruv Jurel 51; Prabath Jayasuriya 4-109, Keshara Nuwantha 3-175) vs Sri Lanka.