2 months ago
If it's Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel that have emerged as India's batting stars of the future in this series, Sonal Dinusha is making a similar statement for Sri Lanka. The left-hander followed his scores of 100 and 84 in Galle with an unbeaten 85 (137b, 2x6) to lead a gritty fightback on a rain-hit third day of the second Test at SSC on Tuesday.
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
2 months ago
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored an unbeaten half-century but India's Prasidh Krishna made a vital breakthrough to end an important partnership and have Sri Lanka in trouble at 130 for four at lunch on Day 3 of the second cricket test.
At the first interval Tuesday, Sri Lanka trailed India's first-innings total by 373 runs. Sooriyabandara was unbeaten on 65 and captain Dhananjaya de Silva was not out on 4.
India declared its first innings at 503 for nine on Day 2, helped by 117 runs from Devdutt Padikkal and Druv Jurel's unbeaten 115.
Sri Lanka was rattled early in reply, slipping to 8 for two by stumps and then losing overnight batter Kamil Mishara (19) with the total on 35.
Sooriyabandara, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the first test in Galle while batting as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal, appeared composed despite the precarious start to Sri Lanka's innings here. He mixed caution and attack in his 93-ball stand, hitting nine boundaries.
#total #ball
At the first interval Tuesday, Sri Lanka trailed India's first-innings total by 373 runs. Sooriyabandara was unbeaten on 65 and captain Dhananjaya de Silva was not out on 4.
India declared its first innings at 503 for nine on Day 2, helped by 117 runs from Devdutt Padikkal and Druv Jurel's unbeaten 115.
Sri Lanka was rattled early in reply, slipping to 8 for two by stumps and then losing overnight batter Kamil Mishara (19) with the total on 35.
Sooriyabandara, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the first test in Galle while batting as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal, appeared composed despite the precarious start to Sri Lanka's innings here. He mixed caution and attack in his 93-ball stand, hitting nine boundaries.
#total #ball
2 months ago
Sri Lanka have added off-spin all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and batter Kamil Mishara to their squad for the second and final Test against India, starting in Colombo on August 23.
Sri Lanka need a win to draw the two-match series after India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.
The hosts will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the Colombo Test.
Arachchige, who has played five ODIs and one T20I, has been brought in for Kusal Mendis. He impressed while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 209 runs.
Top-order batter Kamil Mishara has replaced Nishan Fernando, who did not make an impact in the Galle Test.
After the first Test, Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis has a "proper hamstring injury" and will be unavailable for some time.
Chandimal, meanwhile, was ruled out after sustaining an injury on the fourth day of the Galle Test. He has to serve a minimum seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as a concussion substitute and will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Sri Lanka will now look to make changes to their playing XI as they attempt to level the series in Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for the 2nd Test
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan **** wella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru **** ara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
#arachchige
Sri Lanka need a win to draw the two-match series after India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.
The hosts will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the Colombo Test.
Arachchige, who has played five ODIs and one T20I, has been brought in for Kusal Mendis. He impressed while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 209 runs.
Top-order batter Kamil Mishara has replaced Nishan Fernando, who did not make an impact in the Galle Test.
After the first Test, Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis has a "proper hamstring injury" and will be unavailable for some time.
Chandimal, meanwhile, was ruled out after sustaining an injury on the fourth day of the Galle Test. He has to serve a minimum seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as a concussion substitute and will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Sri Lanka will now look to make changes to their playing XI as they attempt to level the series in Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for the 2nd Test
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan **** wella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru **** ara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
#arachchige
2 months ago
India's crushing victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle unearthed two potential long-term ****** ets in different departments — left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and batter Devdutt Padikkal.
Suthar, in particular, looks every bit a Test star in the making. In just two Tests, the 24-year-old has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 11.35, including two five-wicket hauls and his maiden 10-wicket match haul. In Galle, he showcased the classical virtues of left-arm spin, extracting loop, drift, turn and bounce.
Padikkal, meanwhile, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Playing his first Test in 19 months after replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, the stylish left-hander marked his return with a majestic 167, the standout innings of the match, followed by a useful 44 in the second innings. Comfortable against spin on both the front and back foot, Padikkal has strengthened his case to retain the No. 3 slot.
Suthar made an impact from his very first ball, trapping Dinesh Chandimal with a beauty that pitched, bounced and turned away before finding the edge to Rishabh Pant. On the final day, he wrapped up Sri Lanka's tail with smart variations in pace and an effective straighter delivery.
Former India left-arm spinner and selector Venkatapathy Raju believes familiarity with subcontinental conditions and a recent county stint with Warwickshire have played a key role in Suthar's rapid rise. The youngster took 11 wickets in two county matches, including a maiden five-for against Somerset.
"I was very impressed by Suthar's attitude. He has a high-arm action, bowls close to the wicket and possesses the aggression needed to succeed as a left-arm spinner. Playing his first two Tests in familiar conditions has helped, while county cricket gave him valuable red-ball experience," Raju told TOI.
"This will do wonders for his confidence. He can bowl long spells, challenge both right-handers and left-handers and has shown all the signs of becoming a very good bowler."
India vice-captain KL Rahul credited Suthar's accuracy, subtle changes in pace and ability to exploit drift for making him such a potent threat.
"It's the subtle variations from the same action and angle. He can bowl slower or quicker without changing his arm speed. In Galle, he used the wind beautifully to get drift before the ball either straightened or came back in," Rahul said.
Rahul also praised Suthar's consistency in hitting the right areas.
"His greatest strength is his pace through the air and his ability to challenge every mode of dismissal. The line he bowls brings LBW into play, while any turn can produce catches behind. That's a special skill."
The vice-captain was equally effusive about Padikkal, with whom he shared a 150-run partnership in the first innings.
"That innings defined the Test," Rahul said. "The tempo he batted at and the fact that he converted it into a big hundred really set the game up for us. The conditions were physic
Suthar, in particular, looks every bit a Test star in the making. In just two Tests, the 24-year-old has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 11.35, including two five-wicket hauls and his maiden 10-wicket match haul. In Galle, he showcased the classical virtues of left-arm spin, extracting loop, drift, turn and bounce.
Padikkal, meanwhile, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Playing his first Test in 19 months after replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, the stylish left-hander marked his return with a majestic 167, the standout innings of the match, followed by a useful 44 in the second innings. Comfortable against spin on both the front and back foot, Padikkal has strengthened his case to retain the No. 3 slot.
Suthar made an impact from his very first ball, trapping Dinesh Chandimal with a beauty that pitched, bounced and turned away before finding the edge to Rishabh Pant. On the final day, he wrapped up Sri Lanka's tail with smart variations in pace and an effective straighter delivery.
Former India left-arm spinner and selector Venkatapathy Raju believes familiarity with subcontinental conditions and a recent county stint with Warwickshire have played a key role in Suthar's rapid rise. The youngster took 11 wickets in two county matches, including a maiden five-for against Somerset.
"I was very impressed by Suthar's attitude. He has a high-arm action, bowls close to the wicket and possesses the aggression needed to succeed as a left-arm spinner. Playing his first two Tests in familiar conditions has helped, while county cricket gave him valuable red-ball experience," Raju told TOI.
"This will do wonders for his confidence. He can bowl long spells, challenge both right-handers and left-handers and has shown all the signs of becoming a very good bowler."
India vice-captain KL Rahul credited Suthar's accuracy, subtle changes in pace and ability to exploit drift for making him such a potent threat.
"It's the subtle variations from the same action and angle. He can bowl slower or quicker without changing his arm speed. In Galle, he used the wind beautifully to get drift before the ball either straightened or came back in," Rahul said.
Rahul also praised Suthar's consistency in hitting the right areas.
"His greatest strength is his pace through the air and his ability to challenge every mode of dismissal. The line he bowls brings LBW into play, while any turn can produce catches behind. That's a special skill."
The vice-captain was equally effusive about Padikkal, with whom he shared a 150-run partnership in the first innings.
"That innings defined the Test," Rahul said. "The tempo he batted at and the fact that he converted it into a big hundred really set the game up for us. The conditions were physic
2 months ago
Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for precautionary scans after suffering an awkward fall while attempting to save a boundary during India's second innings on Day 4 of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday. The incident occurred during the fourth over of India's second innings when Chandimal sprinted from deep midwicket towards deep square leg to stop a shot from KL Rahul.
Chandimal managed to save two runs but tumbled awkwardly after crossing the boundary. His body twisted over his upper body during the fall, leaving him in visible discomfort.
The Sri Lankan batter was seen clutching his right shoulder, head and neck immediately after the incident. He was ******* sed on the field by the Sri Lankan team doctor and physiotherapist before gingerly walking off the ground. He was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans. Further updates on his condition are awaited.
Meanwhile, Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement.
Meanwhile, India strengthened their position in the Test during the opening session on Day 4. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3, India took a 174-run first-innings lead and reached 116/4 at lunch, extending their overall advantage to 294 runs.
India suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Asitha Fernando off the third ball of the opening over.
KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings, putting together a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul scored 35 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, while Jayasuriya also removed India captain Shubman Gill for 8.
Padikkal continued to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers and made 44 before being trapped lbw shortly before lunch. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 21 at the interval.
India in commanding position
At lunch, India were 116/4 in 29 overs, with a commanding overall lead of 294 runs.
Brief scores: India 462 & 116/4 (Rishabh Pant 21*, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Prabath Jayasuriya 2/42) lead Sri Lanka 284 by 294 runs.
#India #chandimal #jayasuriya #second
Chandimal managed to save two runs but tumbled awkwardly after crossing the boundary. His body twisted over his upper body during the fall, leaving him in visible discomfort.
The Sri Lankan batter was seen clutching his right shoulder, head and neck immediately after the incident. He was ******* sed on the field by the Sri Lankan team doctor and physiotherapist before gingerly walking off the ground. He was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans. Further updates on his condition are awaited.
Meanwhile, Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement.
Meanwhile, India strengthened their position in the Test during the opening session on Day 4. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3, India took a 174-run first-innings lead and reached 116/4 at lunch, extending their overall advantage to 294 runs.
India suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Asitha Fernando off the third ball of the opening over.
KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal then steadied the innings, putting together a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul scored 35 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, while Jayasuriya also removed India captain Shubman Gill for 8.
Padikkal continued to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers and made 44 before being trapped lbw shortly before lunch. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 21 at the interval.
India in commanding position
At lunch, India were 116/4 in 29 overs, with a commanding overall lead of 294 runs.
Brief scores: India 462 & 116/4 (Rishabh Pant 21*, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Prabath Jayasuriya 2/42) lead Sri Lanka 284 by 294 runs.
#India #chandimal #jayasuriya #second
2 months ago
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test of their two-match series against India, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella making his return to the Test side.
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. ******* wella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.
Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka's batting options.
The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.
With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning ******* wella, as they prepare to take on India's Test side.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan ******* wella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
#fernando
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. ******* wella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.
Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka's batting options.
The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.
With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning ******* wella, as they prepare to take on India's Test side.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan ******* wella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
#fernando
3 months ago
NORTH SOUND, Antigua (AP) — Sri Lanka grew its lead to 281 runs in a bid to force an unlikely series-levelling victory against the West Indies on the fifth and final day of the second test on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka was 231-8 at lunch after adding a brisk 139 runs at a healthy rate of 5.79 an over in the morning session to its overnight score of 92-2.
Top-scorer Dinesh Chandimal led the visitors’ intent with 71 including four boundaries and two sixes before slicing a catch to backward point.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva scored run-a-ball 34 and Sonal Dinusha hit 28 off 26 ****** as Sri Lanka pressed for quick runs against the spin of West Indies captain Roston Chase (1-41) and Kavem Hodge (1-23) despite losing six wickets in the session.
Alzarri Joseph had 2-44.
Sri Lanka was 231-8 at lunch after adding a brisk 139 runs at a healthy rate of 5.79 an over in the morning session to its overnight score of 92-2.
Top-scorer Dinesh Chandimal led the visitors’ intent with 71 including four boundaries and two sixes before slicing a catch to backward point.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva scored run-a-ball 34 and Sonal Dinusha hit 28 off 26 ****** as Sri Lanka pressed for quick runs against the spin of West Indies captain Roston Chase (1-41) and Kavem Hodge (1-23) despite losing six wickets in the session.
Alzarri Joseph had 2-44.
