Sri Lanka prided itself on the negotiation of a hard-fought draw against India in the second Test at Colombo in an astounding display of resilience from Sonal Dinusha. The hosts declared with a 2nd innings scoreline of 429/9, ruling out India’s other hope, a result. The Indian team finished 1-0 to win a two-match series despite the draw.
The Indian bowlers had taken Sri Lanka out for 212 in the first innings and had demanded a follow-on in the first Test of the series. The hosts came back strong in the second innings, however, though.
Sri Lanka’s rebuilding effort began in form with Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis and they kept on testing the opposition before the lower order rallied. However, India did get the breakthrough after lunch when Manav Suthar was able to knock off Keshara Nuwantha who was playing the crease with determination.
But at the other end was Sonal Dinusha who didn’t budge. He had left the gallery with a middle door score of 98 and went straight through to a middle door 133 to complete his 2nd 100 off 98 balls. Sri Lanka’s composed innings ensured their continued frustration and brought in nearer to the safety of the home side.
Lahiru Kumara was also an impressive display of fighting spirit, making it two of 56 deliveries to build his maiden half-century with Sri Lanka to draw.
After the game seemed to be heading towards a stand off, Sri Lanka opened the scoring at 429/9. With the decision, India had no serious chance of completing the chase and scoring a victory.
Sri Lanka can draw a lot of solace from their counter-attack from the second innings but India will be happy returning the favour in its dominance. But Dinusa’s twin centuries will continue to be the highlight among many features of the Colombo Test during the other two hundred years.