Half‑Century From Gil and Padikkal’s Resilience Boost India in Sri Lanka Test

Colombo, August 23 — The second Test of the bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka witnessed a steady Indian innings at the Sinhalese Cricket Club Ground. At tea, the scoreboard read 187/3.

Opening partner Devdutt Padikkal, fresh from a century in the opening Test, added 63 runs in 117 deliveries, punctuated by seven fours.

Shubman Gil, in fine touch, reached the 50‑run mark, scoring 50 off 108 balls with six fours, and he also secured a catch that dismissed wicket‑keeper Niroshan Dickwella. The duo forged a 120‑run partnership for the third wicket, lasting 209 balls.

India’s early batting faltered as KL Rahul fell for 18, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 45 after a flurry of nine fours. Rishabh Pant contributed a solitary run before the session concluded.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando has taken two wickets, while Lahiru Kumara added one. The Indian side made a single alteration, bringing in Saransh Jain for the ill‑available Kuldeep Yadav, giving Jain his Test debut. Kamal Mendis debuted for Sri Lanka. India leads the two‑match series 1‑0 after a 165‑run victory in the first Test.