Sri Lanka reached 385-8 in their second innings on day five of the second Test in Colombo, with Sonal Dinusha scoring his third Test century to narrow India's path to victory.
Sonal Dinusha's unbeaten hundred guided Sri Lanka to a commanding position on the final day of the second Test against India in Colombo. The left-handed batter's 100 not out, combined with overnight partner Keshara Nuwantha's 46, helped the hosts reach 385-8 and extend their lead to 172 runs after being forced to follow on earlier in the match.
Nuwantha and Dinusha shared a productive seventh-wicket partnership worth 112 runs before the stand was broken shortly after lunch. Manav Suthar dismissed Nuwantha at second slip, and Ravindra Jadeja subsequently removed Prabath Jayasuriya for two. However, Dinusha remained resolute, continuing the resistance alongside Lahiru Kumara, who was batting on two from 56 balls when play concluded.
Dinusha's innings marked a significant recovery for Sri Lanka, who had been struggling at 218-6 before the partnership stabilized the batting order. This was the first time in the series that Sri Lanka crossed the 300-run mark in an innings. India, having declared at 503-9 in their first innings, had enforced the follow-on after dismissing Sri Lanka for 290, suggesting they had taken firm control of the match.
With a draw now the likely outcome, India would still secure the two-match series 1-0 based on their first-innings advantage. Dinusha's third Test century demonstrates Sri Lanka's fighting spirit on the final day, though India's overall dominance in the match remains evident.
