150-run partnership powers India to 197/1 vs Sri Lanka

India reached 197 for one at tea on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday, building a commanding position after a mid-pitch mix-up claimed the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Opener KL Rahul and number three Devdutt Padikkal compiled an unbroken 150-run second-wicket partnership, dominating a Sri Lankan attack that found limited success on a batting-friendly pitch.

After captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat, Jaiswal provided a fluent start alongside Rahul. The pair had added 47 runs before a bizarre run-out in the 18th over ended Jaiswal's innings. Rahul drove a delivery from debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha toward mid-on and called for a quick single. As both batters ran, Nuwantha dived to intercept the ball and collided with Jaiswal, causing him to lose his footing and fall. While Rahul made it back to the non-striker's end, Jaiswal was stranded mid-pitch, and Sri Lanka completed a simple run-out. Jaiswal departed for 32 runs from 37 balls, leaving India at 74 for one.

Padikkal, who replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan in the lineup, entered at the fall of that wicket and immediately settled the innings. Building on the...