India holds a commanding 178-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Galle, though persistent rain has limited play across all three days. Sri Lankan debutant Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test century helped the hosts avoid the follow-on.
Rain once again interrupted proceedings at Galle on day three of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka, with only 80.2 of the scheduled 98 overs completed before weather forced an early end to play. The inclement conditions have plagued the match since its inception, with 17 overs lost on day one and just 43 possible on day two. Despite the disruptions, India remains in a strong position with a 178-run lead and six sessions remaining to press for victory in the two-match series.
Sri Lanka's second innings saw the hosts recover from a precarious position thanks largely to young middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha. Playing only his fourth Test, the 23-year-old demonstrated exceptional composure while batting against India's spinners, fashioning his maiden century under considerable pressure. After Sri Lanka had collapsed to 90 for five, Dinusha's 146-run partnership with returning wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella proved instrumental in avoiding the follow-on. Dinusha eventually fell to Ravindra Jadeja for 100, having faced 168 deliveries across more than four hours at the crease.
Dickwella's 80 marked a solid return to Test cricket following a three-year absence. The wicketkeeper impressed with his aggressive strokeplay, employing the sweep effectively, though he fell short of a maiden Test century after 55 appearances when edging Prasidh Krishna behind the stumps. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, playing only his second Test, proved the standout bowler for India, claiming four wickets through disciplined bowling, while Jadeja added three. Sri Lanka eventually posted 284 all out, setting up a tense final phase of the match once the weather permits resumption of play.
