India's Padikkal steals the show with 167 in first Sri Lanka Test
GALLE: Comeback star Devdutt Padikkal hit a polished 167 as India scored 460-9 on a rainy second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday.
Devdutt Padikkal made a stellar return to Indian cricket with a composed 167 in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. The batsman, who had been recalled after a two-year injury absence, displayed remarkable skill and composure as he amassed 230 balls. Only 43 overs were available due to the rainy conditions, with the morning session being completely washed out.
Padikkal's innings included 15 fours and a six, positioning him as the fourth-highest Test scorer for India in Sri Lanka, trailing behind Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Shikhar Dhawan. His performance was crucial as India scored 460-9 on the second day, but they faced setbacks when Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Mohammad Siraj were dismissed.
As Sri Lanka's pacemen added to the pressure, Prabath Jayasuriya struck Padikkal out for 91, ending his innings. Jayasuriya's dismissal of the Indian batsman, however, was followed by the batting prowess of Dhruv Jurel, who counteracted the wicket loss with a 51-ball 51. The match's outcome will depend on the remaining teams' ability to bounce back from these setbacks, particularly as the pitch deteriorates, a common scenario in Galle.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
