IND vs SL: Devdutt Padikkal produced another magnificent hundred in Sri Lanka as India finished the opening day of the second Test (IND vs SL) at a commanding 300 for five at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, India overcame an uncertain start to seize control of the contest.
India lost KL Rahul early for 18 before Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a fluent 45. The visitors were reduced to 66 for two, giving Sri Lanka genuine hope of making early inroads. However, Padikkal once again proved the difference-maker.
Promoted to No. 3, Padikkal combined patience with a wide range of strokes and forged a crucial 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill. Gill played a composed innings of 50 from 108 balls, striking six boundaries, before being caught behind off Asitha Fernando shortly after completing his half-century.
Devdutt Padikkal’s historic century
Padikkal, meanwhile, continued his extraordinary run of form (IND vs SL). Following his sensational 167 in the first Test at Galle, the left-hander struck 117 from 193 deliveries, including 12 fours, to register back-to-back Test centuries. His innings provided the backbone of India’s recovery and further strengthened his claim for the No. 3 position.
India lost Padikkal for 117 at 281, while Ravindra Jadeja followed soon after for 43, leaving the visitors 296 for five. Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain survived the final overs to take India to 300 for five at stumps. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered an injury in the final session of the day, forcing him to retire hurt on 3. Team India had a strong start, but the team faltered towards the end.
Sri Lanka’s best bowler was Asitha Fernando, who finished the day with three wickets for 46 runs. Their bowlers kept India under pressure at various stages, but Padikkal’s decisive contribution ultimately tilted the day firmly in India’s favour.
India’s position was further strengthened by the fact that 85 overs were completed (IND vs SL). With five wickets still in hand and Jurel and Jain at the crease, the visitors will look to build a substantial first-innings total on Day 2. Sri Lanka will need early wickets on Monday if they are to prevent India from turning an already strong position into a match-defining total.
Brief Scores: India 300/5 (85 overs) — Devdutt Padikkal 117, Shubman Gill 50, Ravindra Jadeja 43; Asitha Fernando 3/46.
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