Mounting a spirited fightback, Sri Lanka have successfully managed to draw the second Test against India in Colombo, with Sonal Dinusha remaining undeterred in his determination with an unbeaten 133-run knock. The grit shown by Sri Lankan batters, coupled with a defiant knock from Dinusha, has denied India a victory, which they were on course to clinch until 24 hours ago.
However, India have clinched the two-match series 1-0 after claiming a commanding win in the first Test. Meanwhile, the loss in the second Test poses a great threat to India’s World Test Championship final hopes. Earlier, deciding to bat, India put up a commanding total of 503/9 before declaring their innings. They then bowled Sri Lanka out for 290, bagging a 213-run first-innings lead.
In light of a mammoth lead, India enforced the follow-on, but little did they know that Sri Lanka would be uncontrollable in their second innings, with each player making noteworthy contributions. They piled up 429/9, taking a lead of 216 runs. Amid this, both captains agreed to bring an end to the proceedings and settle for a draw. For Sri Lanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis provided resistance at the top of the order, firing 92 and 55, respectively. Down the order, Keshara Nuwantha stood like a wall, giving stiff resistance with 46 off 150 balls and frustrating Indian bowlers.