Padikkal century highlights India’s dominance with the bat
Dubai: India have continued to underline their dominance with the bat as Devdutt Padikkal’s superb run of form continued on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Padikkal struck 117 to help India finish the first day on 300-5 after being asked to bat first. The century was another impressive chapter in what has been a breakthrough series for the left-hander, who only…
Dubai: India has solidified their batting supremacy in the second Test against Sri Lanka, with Devdutt Padikkal contributing a remarkable century on the opening day. Padikkal, who joined the team as a late injury replacement, scored 117 runs to steer India to 300-5 after being asked to bat first. The 25-year-old's century marks another breakthrough in his growing impact in the series, having already scored 167 and 44 in the first Test in Galle.
Padikkal was fortunate twice, dropping Sonal Dinusha at backward point on his first run and Dhananjaya de Silva at slip on his second. His adaptability to the conditions was key, not his position at No.3, according to India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Padikkal partnered with Shubman Gill for 120 runs to put India in control. Sri Lanka's best bowler, Asitha Fernando, took three wickets for 46 runs, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill, and Jadeja.
India's batting duo of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel added 124 runs, keeping the pressure on Sri Lanka. With India's top order continuing to perform well, Sri Lanka faces a challenging task.
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