Dinusha’s Defiant Century Keeps Sri Lanka Afloat in Colombo Test
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka staged a gritty fightback on the final day of the second Test in Colombo, frustrating India’s pursuit of a series sweep by extending their second-innings lead to 170 runs.
After being forced to follow on, Sri Lanka resumed their second innings at 229-6, staring down the barrel of an imminent defeat. However, a masterclass in resilience from Dinusha—who anchored the batting lineup with a composed display—kept the hosts in the contest.
The day began with India looking like certain victors, but a formidable 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha shifted the momentum. Nuwantha, who contributed a valuable 46, proved an ideal foil for the centurion, helping push Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark for the first time in the series.
The resistance was finally broken in the first over following the lunch interval. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who remained wicketless throughout the morning session, provided the breakthrough when he tempted Nuwantha into a shot that resulted in a catch at second slip. Shortly after, veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja tightened the screws by dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya for just two runs.
Despite the mounting pressure, Dinusha remained a pillar of strength. Coming off a brilliant 103 in the first innings, he continued to display immense patience, supported at the crease by tail-ender Lahiru Kumara, who dug in for a stubborn two runs off 56 balls heading into the break.
India, who had declared their first innings at a commanding 503-9, had enforced the follow-on after restricting the hosts to 290 in their initial outing. While a draw would still see India clinch the two-match series 1-0, the defiant showing from the Sri Lankan middle order has forced the visitors to work significantly harder for a result than previously anticipated.
As the match approaches its conclusion, the focus remains on whether Sri Lanka’s lower order can hold firm against India’s world-class bowling attack to force a share of the spoils.
© 2026 AFP
