India built a commandingly dominant position against Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the opening Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. A brilliant 167-run knock by Devdutt Padikkal pushed the visitors to a formidable first-innings total of 462. Indian bowlers then struck rapidly during the morning session. They reduced Sri Lanka’s top order to a shaky 80/4 in response.
Padikkal’s Masterclass and Middle-Order Support Drive India to 462
India resumed their innings aiming to post a massive total after weather disruptions affected earlier sessions. Playing his first Test match in over 600 days, Devdutt Padikkal anchored the innings with immense patience and back-foot precision.
He scored 167 off 230 balls. His knock featured 15 boundaries and a six.
KL Rahul provided solid support with a resilient 82 off 175 deliveries. Dhruv Jurel added a quickfire 51 to maintain momentum. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant chipped in with a brisk 39.
For Sri Lanka, veteran spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers. He picked up 4 wickets for 109 runs in 39 overs. Keshara Nuwantha also contributed with three wickets to wrap up the Indian tail at 462.
Spin Attack Tears Through Host Top Order
Faced with a heavy first-innings deficit, Sri Lanka struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj set the tone early. He trapped opener Nishan Madushka for a duck.
Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar then capitalized on the turning Galle surface. He dismissed Lahiru Udara for 27 and Dinesh Chandimal for just 4 runs. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav joined the action soon after.
He removed in-form batter Kamindu Mendis for 14, aided by a sensational catching effort from captain Shubman Gill.
Sri Lanka reached 80/4 by mid-session, trailing India by 382 runs with six first-innings wickets remaining.
This match marks the opening fixture of India’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. Both teams are competing for vital points in the ICC World Test Championship (2025–2027) standings.
India entered the series seeking to maintain their unbeaten Test series record in Sri Lanka since 2017.
Galle traditionally offers increasing turn as the pitch wears down over four days. India’s deep spin department puts them in prime position to press for a heavy victory as the match progresses.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
