Dinusha’s 55 not out lifts Sri Lanka to a 116-run lead at lunch on Day 5 of 2nd cricket test

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sonal Dinusha spearheaded a lower order resurgence in the second cricket test against India, scoring a half-century and aiding Sri Lanka in building a 116-run lead at lunch on the final day. Sri Lanka commenced its second innings on Thursday with a slender lead of four wickets, needing to bat for time to avoid a draw.

Dinusha partnered with No. 8 Keshara Nuwantha for 100 runs during the first session, raising their partnership to 111 runs off 242 deliveries. At lunch, Dinusha remained not out on 55, while Nuwantha was unbeaten on 46. Their combined effort spanned nearly three hours at the pitch, a vital factor considering the time lost to rain and further rain forecasted for Day 5.

Dinusha had previously scored 103 runs in the first innings, having batted mostly alongside tailenders, but this was insufficient to prevent Sri Lanka from following on. His other innings in the first test match in Galle were 100 and 84, where India won by 165 runs. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar recorded figures of 2-98 for India, while Siraj, Krishna, Jain, and Jadeja claimed one wicket each.

India had positioned itself for a potential victory by stumps on Wednesday after Sri Lanka's second innings defense following the enforce of the follow-on. India batted first after winning the toss, amassing a substantial 503-9 declared, subsequently dismissing Sri Lanka for 290. On Day 4, Sri Lanka reached 229-6, leading by just 16 runs when rain forced an early cessation of play. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis contributed half-centuries.