The third day’s play in the 1st Test match between India and Sri Lanka at the iconic Galle International Stadium delivered high-intensity Test cricket, featuring career milestones, key re-building partnerships, and dynamic spin bowling.
- India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3: Spinners Bowl Out Sri Lanka for 284 as India Hold 178-Run Lead
Having posted a commanding first-innings total of 462 runs, Team India dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup for 284, taking a crucial 178-run lead before heavy rains forced an early end to Day 3.
Early Top-Order Blows & Indian Spin Mastery
Sri Lanka faced immediate pressure against India’s bowling attack. Pacer Mohammed Siraj set the tone early with disciplined seam bowling. However, it was India’s spin attack that caused maximum damage on a turning Galle surface:
- Manav Suthar’s Early Strikes: The young spinner immediately extracted turn from the pitch, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal on his very first ball. Suthar kept up the pressure with sharp turn and drift, picking up 4 key wickets in the innings.
- Ravindra Jadeja Reaches 350 Test Wickets: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja added another feather to his cap by claiming his 350th Test wicket. Supported by brilliant sharp catching in the slips by KL Rahul, Jadeja tore through Sri Lanka’s middle order.
- Kuldeep Yadav & Gill’s Moment: Kuldeep Yadav bowled tightly in tandem, highlighted by a sharp catch taken at mid-wicket by Indian captain Shubman Gill to dismiss Kamindu Mendis.
Fightback: Dickwella & Sonal Dhanusha Lead Sri Lankan Counter-Attack
Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at the top order before a resilient middle-order partnership brought stability back to their innings:
- Niroshan Dickwella’s Feisty Fifty: Returning to the Test setup, Dickwella played an aggressive counter-attacking knock, reaching a well-deserved half-century filled with crisp sweep shots against Indian spinners.
- Sonal Dhanusha’s Resilience: Playing only his fourth Test, Sonal Dhanusha anchored the middle order admirably, scoring his maiden Test century after earlier completing a gritty half-century.
- The 93-Run Partnership: Together, Dickwella and Dhanusha stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership that helped Sri Lanka cross the 250-mark and avoid a complete collapse.
Match Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Match Venue | Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka |
| India 1st Innings | 462/10 |
| Sri Lanka 1st Innings | 284/10 (Sonal Dhanusha 100*, Niroshan Dickwella 50+) |
| Key Indian Bowlers | Manav Suthar (4 Wickets), Ravindra Jadeja (350th Test Wicket) |
| First Innings Lead | India lead by 178 runs |
| Day 3 Status | Stumps called early due to heavy rain and bad light |
Rain Halts Play Before Stumps
Following the dismissal of Sri Lanka for 284, dark clouds hovered over Galle, causing downpours near the coast. Ground staff covered the playing arena completely, and officials called off play for Day 3 early.
With a 178-run first-innings advantage and two days remaining, India remains firmly in the driver’s seat as they look to build on their lead in the second innings on Day 4.
Watch the official highlights on Sony LIV’s YouTube Channel.
