Sri Lanka salvage draw in second Test after battling Dinusha denies India

What the report says

Sri Lanka held India to a draw in the second Test in Colombo after middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha produced a stubborn unbeaten 133, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters. The innings helped the hosts reach 429-9 after following on, preventing India from completing a series sweep. India won the two-match series 1-0, but Sri Lanka avoided defeat in a match shaped by rain and a surface that gave little help to the seam bowlers.

Dinusha’s knock was notable for being his second century of the match and third hundred in four innings. He also combined with Keshara Nuwantha, who made 46, in a 112-run stand that frustrated India through the morning session on the final day. Sri Lanka had resumed with a 16-run lead and four wickets remaining, needing a prolonged fight to save the game.

India eventually broke the partnership after lunch through spinner Manav Suthar, while Dhruv Jurel took key catches in the field. Even so, Dinusha stayed at the crease and kept Sri Lanka afloat, with support from Lahiru Kumara lower down the order. The result gave the home side a morale-boosting finish despite the series loss and highlighted Dinusha’s growing importance in the batting lineup.