Sri Lanka salvages draw in second Test as Dinusha scores twin centuries

Sri Lanka declared their second innings on 429‑9 in the final session of day five, securing a draw after being forced to follow on by India. The result left the two‑match series level at 0‑0, with India having won the opening Test to claim an early series lead.

Match summary

India posted 503‑9 declared in their first innings and enforced the follow‑on after bowling Sri Lanka out for 290. The hosts, in trouble at 218‑6 in the second innings, rallied thanks to a seventh‑wicket partnership that steadied the ship.

Dinusha's double ton

Dinusha shone under pressure, scoring 103 in the first innings and an unbeaten 84 in the second, becoming only the eighth Sri Lankan to register centuries in both innings of a Test. His effort earned him the player‑of‑the‑match award and helped the team pick up valuable points in the World Test Championship.

"I wanted to get runs for the team, I am really happy that I was able to do that," said Dinusha.

Shubman Gill, India’s captain, praised the contest, noting the positives for his side and the learning curve presented by the Sri Lankan comeback. Dhananjaya de Silva lauded the selectors for giving youngsters a chance, while Devdutt Padikkal was named player of the series after amassing 328 runs, including centuries in both matches.

Key contributions also came from Keshara Nuwantha, who added 46 runs and partnered with Dinusha for a 112‑run stand, and bowlers Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed early wickets in the second innings.

Implications for the championship

The draw awards Sri Lanka two points and India three, narrowing the gap in the WTC standings. Both teams will now look ahead to their next series, with Sri Lanka hoping to build on the momentum generated by Dinusha’s performance.

With the series concluded, the focus shifts to upcoming fixtures that could reshape the race for the championship final, making every point earned in Colombo crucial for the island nation’s aspirations.