Indian bowlers overcame an unexpected resistance from Sonal Dinusha to put India firmly in control on the third day of the first Test, with the visitors securing a substantial 178-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka on Monday.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, with left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja leading India’s disciplined bowling effort. Suthar returned impressive figures of 4/76, while Jadeja claimed 3/57 as the Indian spin attack consistently tested the Sri Lankan batters on a surface offering assistance.

The hosts had appeared to be heading for a quick collapse when they were reduced to 99 for five by lunch. Suthar was at the heart of India’s early success, troubling the batters with his accuracy, variations in pace and ability to extract turn. With Sri Lanka five wickets down, India looked poised to wrap up the innings cheaply and build an even larger advantage. However, Dinusha had other plans.

The left-hander produced a determined and composed innings to register his maiden Test century, becoming the major obstacle in India’s bid to finish the innings early. Batting with patience and confidence, Dinusha absorbed pressure from the Indian spinners and ensured that Sri Lanka did not surrender meekly.

His century gave the hosts a much-needed lift after their precarious start and helped them recover from a position of serious trouble. Dinusha showed considerable temperament as he negotiated long spells from India’s spinners, rotating the strike when opportunities arose and punishing loose deliveries.
India, though, maintained their control through sustained pressure. Suthar continued to attack the stumps and Jadeja complemented him with his trademark accuracy, restricting scoring opportunities and forcing the Sri Lankan batters to take risks. The pair’s ability to operate in tandem prevented the hosts from turning their recovery into a substantial advantage.

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Suthar’s four-wicket haul was particularly significant as he repeatedly broke partnerships and kept Sri Lanka under pressure. For Jadeja, the three wickets underlined his value as India’s senior spin option, combining control with the ability to make breakthroughs when required.

Despite Dinusha’s resistance, Sri Lanka could only reach 284 before the Indian attack completed the job. His maiden hundred therefore proved more valuable in terms of salvaging the innings than changing the overall complexion of the contest.

India’s 178-run lead leaves them in a commanding position heading into the next phase of the Test. With their bowlers already extracting considerable assistance from the pitch, the visitors will look to build on their advantage and put further pressure on Sri Lanka.

The third day’s play thus belonged largely to India’s spinners, but Dinusha’s determined century ensured that the Sri Lankan innings had a fighting finish rather than the collapse that had appeared inevitable at lunch.