IND vs SL: Suthar and Jadeja shine as India secure 178-run lead despite Dinusha century

Ravindra Jadeja (Pic: ANI)

A disciplined Indian bowling performance led by Manav Suthar ensured the visitors secured a commanding 178-run lead over Sri Lanka on the third day of the opening Test on Monday, despite facing strong resistance from maiden centurion Sonal Dinusha.

Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 284 in their first innings as left-arm spinner Suthar (4/76) and experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (3/57) spearheaded the attack on a spin-friendly surface.

The hosts were initially left reeling at 99 for five by lunch following an early burst from Suthar. However, Dinusha constructed a resilient maiden international century, scoring 100 off 168 balls, and paired with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella (80 off 115 balls) to build a formidable 146-run stand for the sixth wicket.

The duo frustrated the Indian attack throughout the second session, adding 116 runs without losing a wicket. Both batters showed great judgment on a favourable pitch, frequently using the sweep shot to counter the Indian spinners. Dickwella reached his half-century in 67 deliveries, while Dinusha brought up his fifty off 92 balls.

Sri Lanka's middle order saves the day as top-order collapse

The partnership finally ended early in the evening session when Dickwella, who was earlier put down on 20 by KL Rahul, edged pacer Prasidh Krishna to Rishabh Pant. Dinusha completed his century off 167 balls shortly after, but was trapped leg-before by Jadeja on the very next delivery.

Earlier in the day, India resumed their first innings from an overnight score of 460 for 9, adding two runs to finish at 462.

In reply, Sri Lanka suffered an immediate setback when lead pacer Mohammad Siraj removed Nishan Fernando with his second delivery, getting him caught by Devdutt Padikkal at slip. Suthar then took charge, removing Dinesh Chandimal with his first ball before dismissing Lahiru Udara, who was caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully.

Kuldeep Yadav claimed Kamindu Mendis thanks to a diving catch by Shubman Gill, while Jadeja removed Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (21) via an edge to slip, completing a dominant morning for the visitors.

With rain predicted for the remaining three days, India would hope to capitalise on their lead and cement their strong position in the opening Test.