Dinusha heroics defies India, saves SL in epic rearguard: 2nd Test, Day 5 (SSC)

Sri Lanka produced a remarkable rearguard on Day 5 to save the second Test in Colombo, finishing on 429/9 after being forced to follow on.

Sonal Dinusha was the hero, batting throughout the day for an unbeaten 133 off 264 balls, his second century of the match. He received vital support from the lower order, particularly Keshara Nuwantha (46), as Sri Lanka added enough runs to take the game beyond India’s reach.

India’s bowlers took three wickets during the day but could not force the final breakthrough, with persistent rain and stubborn Sri Lankan resistance consuming valuable time.

The match ended in a draw, denying India a series sweep, but India won the two-Test series 1–0 following their 165-run victory in Galle.

Dinusha’s extraordinary three centuries in the series earned him Player of the Match for the second Test, while Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Series.

India 503 for 9 dec (Padikkal 117, Jurel 115*, Asitha 4-106) drew with Sri Lanka 290 (Dinusha 103, Sooriyabandara 80, Prasidh 3-52, Suthar 3-85) and 429 for 9 dec (Dinusha 133*, Sooriyabandara 92, Jadeja 3-94, Suthar 3-121).

Aug 2026.