Test match in Colombo ends in stalemate as India retains series lead

The fifth day of the Colombo Test saw both sides trading wickets without any breakthrough that could change the result. Sri Lanka, forced to follow on, reached 178 for the loss of three wickets, thanks to a crucial 115‑run partnership between Pasindu Suriya Bandara and Kamindu Mendis.

India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Manish Suthar who each took three wickets, struggled to dismantle the lower order. Veteran bowlers Krishna, Mohammad Siraj and Saransh Jain each managed a solitary wicket.

On the fourth day, Sri Lanka had been 6 wickets down for 229 in their second innings, holding a slim 16‑run lead. The final day's play saw them lose their last four wickets, but not before Dias added a second‑innings 133 not out, an unbeaten effort that featured two sixes and eight fours off 264 balls.

With the series already decided after India's first‑match win, the draw did little to alter the overall outcome, confirming India’s 1‑0 series triumph.