Padikkal hits back-to-back Test centuries as India finish the opening day on 300/5 against Sri Lanka.
India ended the opening day of the second World Test Championship match against Sri Lanka in a commanding position, reaching 300/5 after 85 overs at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The major highlight was another impressive century from Devdutt Padikkal, who continued his excellent form from the previous Test in Galle.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India were tested early by Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul put together 37 runs for the opening wicket before Lahiru Kumara dismissed Rahul for 18, with Niroshan Dickwella completing the catch behind the stumps.
Jaiswal continued to attack confidently, hitting nine boundaries during his 45-run innings. However, Asitha Fernando produced a superb delivery to knock over the opener and give Sri Lanka another breakthrough.
Captain Shubman Gill then joined Padikkal, and the pair steadied the Indian innings with a valuable 120-run partnership. Both batters dealt effectively with the pace attack and Prabath Jayasuriya’s spin, gradually shifting momentum towards the visitors.
Gill reached a composed half-century from 108 balls before Fernando ended his innings for 50 shortly before the Tea interval. Padikkal, meanwhile, grew increasingly aggressive as the day progressed.
The left-hander eventually produced a magnificent 117 from 193 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries. His second successive Test century provided India with the platform to build a substantial first-innings total and further underlined his impressive run of form.
India suffered another setback when Rishabh Pant retired hurt after scoring only three runs after being struck on the wrists by a short delivery. Ravindra Jadeja subsequently took responsibility with a valuable 43 from 83 balls.
Sri Lanka finally removed Padikkal through Keshara Nuwantha, who claimed his maiden Test wicket by bowling the centurion. Fernando later dismissed Jadeja for his third wicket of the day.
At stumps, Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on seven while debutant Saransh Jain had four not out. Fernando finished as Sri Lanka’s leading bowler with 3/46 from 16 overs.
India will aim to extend their advantage on Day 2, while Sri Lanka need early wickets to prevent the visitors from establishing an even more formidable total.