The second day of the Galle Test saw India assert overwhelming dominance over Sri Lanka, leaving the hosts in a precarious position at 99 for 5, still trailing by a substantial 363 runs. At stumps, Sonal Dinusha was batting on 14, partnered by Niroshan Dickwella on eight, with Sri Lanka facing a monumental task to avoid an innings defeat.
India’s formidable total of 462 all out set the stage for their bowlers, who then capitalized brilliantly on a pitch offering significant assistance to spin. The early breakthrough came from fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who, with just the second ball of Sri Lanka’s innings, dismissed Nishan Fernando, caught at slips. This immediate impact provided a crucial momentum shift before the spin attack truly took over.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar, playing only his second Test match, made an immediate and decisive impact. In his very first delivery, he claimed the significant wicket of Sri Lanka’s most experienced batter, Dinesh Chandimal. The ball turned sharply and bounced, catching Chandimal’s defensive edge and carrying comfortably to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, sending him back for just four runs. Suthar continued to exploit the conditions, and the bounce he generated proved to be the downfall of Lahiru Udara, who, after scoring 27, hit a delivery straight to backward point.
Sri Lanka’s collapse continued as they slumped to 59 for 4. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav joined the wicket-takers, with Kamindu Mendis falling to a spectacular diving catch by Shubman Gill at covers. Just moments before lunch, Ravindra Jadeja further compounded Sri Lanka’s woes by removing captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who was caught at slip by K.L. Rahul for 21.
Earlier in the day, India added only two runs to their overnight score of 460 for 9 before being bowled out. The cornerstone of their innings was Devdutt Padikkal’s impressive 167. Contributions also came from K.L. Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, both of whom registered valuable half-centuries, ensuring India’s strong first-innings total. The disciplined bowling performance, particularly from the spinners, on a turning track in Galle, has put India in control of the Test match.
