Unyielding Dinusha, spirited tail hold off India to save Colombo Test

Sonal Dinusha's steadfast performance helped Sri Lanka secure a crucial win in the second Test in Colombo, after they were asked to follow-on. Through a seven-hour ordeal, the Sri Lankan batsman remained unbeaten on 133, ensuring India did not bat again in the Test. This marked the first time in nine attempts that India failed to win after enforcing a follow-on against Sri Lanka.

With just four wickets required on the final day to start the chase, Indian bowlers endured on a pitch offering slight turn, though pace and bounce remained consistent. Overnight batters Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha maintained pressure on India throughout the morning session, despite the new ball arriving within the first half an hour.

The seventh-wicket partnership spanned over 40 overs, aiding Sri Lanka in overcoming the first innings deficit. Manav Suthar and Prabath Jayasuriya provided early resistance, with Nuwantha losing his wicket soon after lunch. Even as the score climbed past 150, with only two wickets left and nearly two sessions to play, India's bowlers persisted.

However, Lahiru Kumara's steady batting, supported by Dinusha, broke India's hopes. The duo contributed 47 runs, with Dinusha reaching his century through attritional batting. Despite a late attempt by Kumara, who was caught at short leg, Dinusha guided Sri Lanka to victory and prevented a whitewash. India scored 503/9, while Sri Lanka managed 290 (Dinusha 133*, Sooriyabandara 80) and 429/9 (Dinusha 133*, Sooriyabandara 92).