At the end of India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights in Colombo, the Indians are in a favorable position at 300/5. Devdutt Padikkal scored yet another fantastic century in the process. The latter managed to score 117 runs, which marked his second hundred of the ongoing series. Shubman Gill contributed with 50, whereas Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with 43 runs. Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando turned out to be the best of the day, taking 3/46 wickets.
Padikkal's second consecutive Test century put India firmly in control at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first on a good surface at the Sinhalese Sports Club. India made the most of it despite two early wickets.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 45 off 53 balls (9 fours)
Devdutt Padikkal: 117 off 193 balls (12 fours)
Shubman Gill (c): 50 off 108 balls (6 fours)
Dhruv Jurel: 7* (not out overnight)
Saransh Jain: 4* (not out overnight)
Bowling: Asitha Fernando 3/46, Lahiru Kumara 1 wicket, Keshara Nuwantha 1 wicket.
India lost both openers relatively cheaply after a solid 37-run start. Rahul edged Kumara behind, and Jaiswal was bowled by an inswinger from Fernando to leave India 66-2. Padikkal and Gill then steadied the innings with a 120-run third-wicket stand. This is one of the 11 highest third-wicket partnerships for India against Sri Lanka in Test history.
Gill fell for a composed 50 late in the session, edging Fernando behind. Padikkal continued on, adding 74 more with Ravindra Jadeja for the fourth wicket before Sri Lanka's second new ball brought two quick strikes. Fernando bowled Jadeja with an inswinger the left-hander misjudged. Off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha bowled Padikkal shortly after, ending a stay of nearly five hours at the crease.
Padikkal survived two early let-offs that proved decisive for India's total. He was dropped from the very first ball he faced after slicing a drive toward point. He received a second reprieve when Sonal Dinusha at cover and captain Dhananjaya de Silva at slip both put down sharp chances. Padikkal made Sri Lanka pay in full, following up his 167 in Galle with another century to extend his red-hot start to the series.
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the middle session after a short ball from Lahiru Kumara struck him on the wrist. His status for the remainder of the Test had not been confirmed by the close of play, and it's a situation worth monitoring heading into Day 2.
India went with uncapped leg-spinner Saransh Jain ahead of Kuldeep Yadav for this Test, ending the selection debate that dominated the buildup. Jain finished the day unbeaten on 4 alongside Dhruv Jurel. India looked to push the total further before eventually declaring or losing their remaining wickets on Day 2.
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With conditions still good for batting and India well-placed at 300/5, the tourists will look to extend their total well past 350 before turning to their spin attack. It was so effective in the series-opening win at Galle. Sri Lanka's bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk said afterward that he was pleased with his side's overall effort with the ball, despite finishing the day on the back foot. For live ball-by-ball updates as Day 2 begins at 10:00 AM local time, check back on this page for the latest score and highlights.
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