Steadying Partnership by Dinusha, Dickwella Puts Sri Lanka at 215-5, Trailing India by 247 Runs

Sonal Dinusha scored a maiden Test century and Niroshan Dickwella struck a half-century as Sri Lanka recovered from a precarious position to reach 215 for 5 at tea on the third day of the first Test against India at the Galle International Stadium on Monday. The pair's unbroken 125-run partnership for the sixth wicket steadied the Sri Lankan innings after India's bowlers had reduced them to 90 for 5 at lunch.

Dinusha, a 25-year-old left-hander playing only his fourth Test, reached his hundred off 168 balls. He was dismissed on the very next delivery, trapped in front by Ravindra Jadeja for 100. His innings included four fours and two sixes. Dickwella, who returned to the side after more than three years, was batting on 80 at the break, having faced 115 balls.

Sri Lanka began the day at 90 for 5, trailing India's first-innings total of 462. India's spinners, led by Manav Suthar and Jadeja, took advantage of a pitch offering significant turn to claim five quick wickets in the morning session. However, the batting conditions improved as the ball softened, allowing Dinusha and Dickwella to mount a counterattack. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka avoid the follow-on and...