Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha struck unbeaten half-tons and shared a century partnership as Sri Lanka recovered from an early collapse to reach 215 for 5 at tea on day three of the first Test against India here on Monday.
Sri Lanka still trail India’s first-innings total of 462 by 247 runs.
After India reduced the hosts to 90 for 5, Dickwella hit 72 and Dinusha made 62 to steady the innings with a 125-run partnership.
India had made early inroads, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Nishan Fernando for a duck in the opening over and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar claiming the wickets of Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Udara to reduce Sri Lanka to 53 for 3. Kuldeep Yadav then removed Kamindu Mendis for 14 to make it 59 for 4.
Earlier, India, resuming at 460 for 9, were bowled out for 462 in 116.4 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal’s 167 the cornerstone of their innings. Prabath Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with 4 for 109.
Brief scores: India 1st innings: 462 all out in 116.4 overs (KL Rahul 82, Devdutt Padikkal 167; Prabath Jayasuriya 4/109, Keshara Nuwantha 3/175).
Sri Lanka 1st innings: 215 for 5 in 57 overs (Sonal Dinusha 62 not out, Niroshan Dickwella 72 not out; Manav Suthar 2/53, Mohammed Siraj 1/29).
Dickwella, Dinusha hit half-centuries as Sri Lanka score 215/5 at tea on day 3 of Galle Test
