Dinusha's century helps Sri Lanka draw Colombo Test; India win series 1-0

 Thu, 27 August 2026
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17:12

Dinusha's century steers SL to draw; India win series 1-0

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 429-9 (154 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Sonal Dinusha's unbeaten century helped Sri Lanka clinch an unlikely draw against India as they batted out the entire fifth day in the second and final Test in Colombo on Thursday.

The draw meant that India won the two-match series 1-0.

The young Dinusha slammed his second century of the match and third of the series. He finished unbeaten on a splendid knock of 133 as Sri Lanka finished on 429/9 in 154 overs after they were asked to follow on.

Dinusha staged Sri Lanka's superb recovery in the company of the lower order. The last four Sri Lankan wickets played out 484 deliveries which amounts to nearly 81 overs while putting on 194 runs.

He added 112 from 242 balls with No 8 Keshara Nuwantha, who contributed with a vital 46 from 150 balls.

No 10 Lahiru Kumara showed great application to score a patient 12 from 90 balls, putting on 47 from 169 balls with Dinusha for the ninth wicket.

Dinusha then put an unbroken stand of 27 runs from 56 balls for the last wicket with Asitha Fernando.

Dinusha got a huge cheer from the fans and the Indian players as he walked off the field after his unbelievable match-saving effort.
16:37

Dunisha hits century; Test inching towards draw


SL 428-9 (153 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Another part-time spinner Yashasvi Jaiswal into the attack from the other end. 

Dinusha paddles the first ball fine on the leg side for a four. He throws his bat at the next ball attempting to cut as he gets a thick outside edge which flies over Rahul at slip for another boundary.

He sensibly takes a single from the fifth ball and Fernando keeps out the last ball.

The lead is 214 runs with 19 overs remaining in the day. The two teams are likely to shake hands when the 15 mandatory overs are left to be bowled.

Gill continues with the ball. Dinusha misses the sweep before he takes a single on the off-side and Fernando blocks the last three balls.
16:28

Dunisha hits century; SL inching towards draw


SL 418-9 (151 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Have India given up hopes of victory? Captain Shubman Gill brings himself into the attack to bowl some part-time off-spin.

He starts with a half-tracker which Dinusha pulls high over midwicket for a six to take the lead over the 200-run mark.

Dinusha takes a single on the off-side before Gill has a confident shout for leg before turned down against Fernando as the ball is heading down the leg side.
16:23

Dunisha hits century; SL inching towards draw


SL 411-9 (150 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

22 overs left in the day. Taking into account the two overs for changeover, we have 20 overs to be bowled.

No 11 Asitha Fernando has only one task, to keep out everything bowled at him. He does well to play out a maiden over from Jadeja.

In the next over, Dinusha reverse sweeps Suthar's first ball to deep point but doesn't take the single. He eventually takes the run off the fourth ball and his partner Fernando blocks the last two balls.

Sri Lanka are 411/9 in 150 overs for an overall lead of 198 runs. 
16:19

SL 410-9 (148 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Suthar continues as Dinusha plays out the first four balls before Asitha Fernando keeps out the last two deliveries to end the over.

In the following over bowled by Jadeja, Dinusha repeats the same as reverse sweeps the spinner for a single off the fourth ball and Fernando keeps out the last two balls.

Dinusha breaks the shackles as after playing five dots in a row the left-hander slog sweeps Suthar over midwicket for a six.
16:06

Jadeja strikes; Sri Lanka lose 9th wicket

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SL 402-9 (145 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha reverse sweeps Jadeja to thirdman for a single to bring up Sri Lanka's 400 and Kumara inside edges the next for another run.

Dinusha reverse sweeps the third ball for another run to thirdman.

Jadeja makes the breakthrough as Kumara gets an inside edge and is brilliantly caught by Jaiswal at short leg.

Kumara gets a pat on his back as he walks back after a superb knock of 12 from 90 balls.

Kumara played a vital hand with the bat, supporting Dinusha during their ninth wicket partnership of 47 runs during which they played out 169 balls.

Their gritty stand has been responsible in taking Sri Lanka close to a battling draw.
15:58

Dinusha hits century; Sri Lanka inching towards draw


SL 399-8 (143 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

The Indian bowlers losing concentration it seems. Suthar bowls a high full toss which Kumara smashes through the vacant region for a four -- his first boundary after 79 balls faced.

Dinusha and Kumara have added 44 runs for the 10th wicket having faced 154 balls which is nearly 26 overs in total.

Jadeja, who walked off with injury in the previous session, comes back into the attack.

He looks fine to bowl. Sri Lanka are happy to bat out time as Dinusha carefully sees out a maiden over.
15:50

Dinusha hits century; SL keep India at bay

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 395-8 (141 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Things are meandering towards a draw as both Dinusha and Kumara bat without any problems.

India's victory hopes are fading fast. Sri Lanka lead by 181 runs with 31 overs left in the day.

The Indians are not looking in any hurry as they calls for a few drinks.

With Jadeja unavailable to bowl, have the Indians given up hopes of pushing for victory?

While the focus is on Dinusha, No 10 Kumara has done an excellent job at the other end playing out 75 balls.

The field is spread out for Dinusha against Jain but the left-hander is happy to bat defensively and not the turn the strike over.
15:40

Dinusha hits century; Sri Lanka frustrate India


SL 394-8 (139 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Suthar back into the attack in place of Siraj. Dinusha clips the third ball for a single before Kumara slogs Suthar over midwicket for two runs -- his first attacking shot of the innings after having batted cautiously for 67 balls.

Kumara realises his mistake as he blocks the rest of the over which includes a no-ball for overstepping.

In the next over, Dinusha pushes Jain for a single off the first ball and Kumara continues his task of blocking the rest of the over.
15:34

Dinusha hits century; SL keep India at bay


SL 389-8 (137 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha has batted for more than 18 hours in the series and still looks hungry for more.

Kumara nudges Saransh Jain on the leg side for a single and Dinusha brings out the sweep for another run off the next.

Kumara continues to be solid with his defence as he keeps out the last four balls.

Dinusha is no longer farming the strike as he watchfully keeps out the over from Siraj.

Jain continues from the other end. Kumara clips the first ball through midwicket for a single and Dinusha sweeps the next for another run.

Kumara enjoying his stint with the bat, smiling as he has friendly chats with a few Indian fielders.
15:22

Sonal Dinusha completes 2nd century of match

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 385-8 (134 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Sonal Dinusha takes two runs off the first ball of the session bowled by Siraj to complete his second century of the match and third of the series.

Dinusha clips Siraj through midwicket for a couple of runs to complete his century from 196 balls -- his second hundred of the match achieved in back to back days.

He becomes only the third Sri Lankan to hit three centuries in a two-Test series after batting greats Aravinda de Silva (twice) and Kumar Sangakkara.

Overall, he is the eighth Sri Lankan to hit two centuries in a Test match.

He has to make sure that he doesn't throw this way and continues to battle for another hour which should put victory out of India's reach.
15:01

Dinusha's 98 not out steers SL to 383/3 at tea

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 383-8 (133 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Sonal Dinusha closed in on his second century of the match to keep Sri Lanka's hopes alive of drawing the second and final Test against India in Colombo.

Dinusha was unbeaten on a magnificent knock of 98 to take Sri Lanka to 383/3 at tea on Day 5.

Sri Lanka lead by 170 runs with 38 overs left in the match.

No 10 Lahiru Kumara gave him good support to be unbeaten on two from 56 balls.

The duo have now faced 99 balls putting on 28 runs for the ninth wicket.

India's bowlers looked flat in the post-lunch session despite the spinners getting good turn and bounce from the rough.

Sri Lanka scored 54 runs in 29 overs bowled in the second session while losing two wickets.

India will need to finish off the remaining two wickets in the first few overs of the last session or else they might find it difficult to push for victory.
14:56

Dinusha's 98 not out steers Sri Lanka to 383/3 at tea


SL 383-8 (133 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

A minimum of 40 overs remaining on the final day. India's bowlers, especially the spinners, have looked quite flat despite the pitch offering some sharp turn and bounce.

Prasidh continues with the ball and India will hope for a breakthrough with 10 minutes left for the tea break.

Kumara shows great resolve to keep out an entire over from Prasidh.

Having imposed the follow-on after bowling 89.4 overs in the first innings, the Indian bowlers have now sent down 132 overs.

No wonder they are looking exhausted, even the close fielders have now gone silent.

Dinusha toying with the field. He reverse sweeps Jain from outside the line of leg stump for two runs to deep point.

Dinusha repeats the shot but this time Prasidh swoops in quickly from thirdman but the throw is a wild one, way away from the stumps. Kumara has to sprint the last few yards before he puts in the dive to make his crease.

Dinusha into the 90s, closing in on his second century of the match.

The Indians are all laughing as Kumara is denied the assistance of the physio by the umpires.

Dinusha sweeps Jain comfortably past short fine leg for a four to take his score to 97 with two balls left for the tea break.

He paddles the fifth ball and decides rightly against the quick single to Siraj at short fine leg.

He gets the single off the last ball placing it fine of Siraj at short fine leg.

Dinusha finishes unbeaten on 98 to guide Sri Lanka to 383/8 in 133 overs at the tea break on Day 5.
14:44

Dinusha, Kumara frustrate India on Day 5

Ravindra Jadeja speaks to head coach Gautam Gambhir near the boundary.
Ravindra Jadeja speaks to head coach Gautam Gambhir near the boundary.

SL 374-8 (131 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Prasidh bowls a bouncer from round the wicket but it goes down the leg side. Kumara looks to nudge it fine but misses as India appeal for catch off the gloves but it clearly went off the thigh pad.

Prasidh bowls length and gets it to holds it line as Kumara pokes and misses.

He switches to over the wicket and angles it across Kumara, who plays and misses.

Kumara, who has played out 46 balls, has faced 100 balls in this Test match.

Jain getting some sharp turn and bounce off the pitch in the last couple of overs. Dinusha reverse sweeps the second ball for a single to thirdman before Kumara is beaten by the extra bounce as the ball goes off his arm past the wicketkeeper for four leg byes.

He clips the fourth ball for a single to take his balls faced count to 50 for the second time in this Test.

Jain bowling it slower and giving it generous flight but Dinusha watchfully plays it out.
14:34

Dinusha, Kumara frustrate India on Day 5


SL 368-8 (129 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha has batted more than 600 deliveries in this series as he continues to defy the Indians.

The left-hander misses the glance off Jadeja as Pant appeals for catch down the leg side but he has not gathered the ball.

Dinusha takes a single from the third ball before Jadeja walks off the field with injury in the middle of the over.

He is having some problems with his right heel after bowling 34.3 overs.

This will be a blow for India if one of their frontline spinners is unable to bowl.

Prasidh brought back to bowl the remaining three deliveries of the over. He starts with a bouncer which slips down the leg side and Kumara ducks under it and blocks the last two balls.

Saransh Jain bowls it a lot slower as Dinusha misses the sweep shot. The next ball turns sharply to beat the left-hander on the outside edge.

The third ball is fuller and turns and bounces quite a bit but Dinusha is able to get his bat out of the line.

He defends the next two balls before Jain beats him with another cracking delivery, narrowly missing the outside edge.
14:24

Sonal Dinusha keeps India at bay; SL's lead grows


SL 367-8 (127 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Gill not allowing the spinners to have a long spell. Saransh Jain back into the attack a few overs after he was taken off.

Dinusha misses the reverse sweep off the first ball but follows it up with a conventional sweep for a single -- his 147th run in the series with the sweep shot.

Kumara has given good support facing 30 deliveries for a single so far.

In the next over, Dinusha gets a big stride out to sweep Jadeja for a single off the second ball and Kumaara negotiates the rest of the over.

Dinusha takes a single off the first ball for the fifth time in the last six overs. He sweeps Jain for one on the leg side, leaving Kumara to contend with five balls against the off-spinner pitching on the rough.

A full delivery which turns as Kumara gets the edge and it flies past K L Rahul at slip, maybe a fielder at second slip could have caught it.

A fielder now brought into second slip as Jain gets it to turn and bounce beating Kumara on the outside edge and once again he keeps out the rest of the over.
14:12

Sonal Dinusha keeps India at bay

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SL 364-8 (124 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Saransh Jain has not made much of an impression in the second innings especially against the left-handers.

Dinusha punches the second ball down to long-on for one and again Kumara is easily able to block the last four balls.

A minimum of 49 overs left in the day. 

Gill continues to shuffle the bowlers in short spells. Jadeja makes way for Suthar, whose first ball is reverse swept by Dinusha for a single to stretch the lead to 150.

Dinusha has tallied 370 runs in four innings averaging 123 so far in the series.

After a couple of deliveries, Suthar switches to round the wicket to Kumara, who again manages to play out the rest of the over.

Around 45 minutes left for the tea break. Dinusha's primary target will be guide Sri Lanka till the tea break atleast, which could make things very difficult for India as far as pushing for a victory is concerned.

Another change as Jadeja replaces Jain after he bowled a short three-over spell.

Jadeja from round the wicket firing it on the leg stump line to Dinusha, who picks a single off the fourth ball and Kumara deals with the last two balls.

Dinusha calls the physio for some treatment on his back thereby eating up some precious time.
14:01

Sonal Dinusha frustrates India


SL 361-8 (121 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Jadeja bowling it just on and around the off-stump as Dinusha watchfully defends. He does well to cut a very wide delivery to deep point for one off the fifth ball.

Jain continues after the drinks break. Dinusha blocks the first two balls before he sweeps the third for a single and Kumara defends the last three balls.

In the next over, Dinusha picks a single off Jadeja's first ball. Jadeja from round the wicket pitching in the rough to Lahiru, who does well to stretch forward to keep out the next five balls.
13:47

Jadeja strikes; SL lose 8th wicket


SL 358-8 (118 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Off-spinner Saransh Jain back into the attack. Dinusha sweeps the first ball to deep square leg for a single. 

Poor from Jain as the next ball is down the leg side to left-hander Kumara who easily clips it off his pads for a single to get off the mark.

He reverse sweeps the fourth ball for a single and Kumara keeps out the last two balls.
13:43

Jadeja strikes; Sri Lanka lose 8th wicket

image

SL 355-8 (117 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Substitute fielder Sarfaraz Khan walks out with a message for captain Gill. 

Nothing is working for Siraj against Dinusha and he never tries flipping the bails hoping for a change of luck.

Siraj bowling short to Dinusha on the body who is happy to duck under.

After four dots in a row, Siraj packs the off-side field for the last two balls. He goes full and wide as Dinusha is happy to leave and does the same last ball.

Jadeja makes the breakthrough with the wicket of Jayasuriya. The right-hander goes for the big cover drive off a flighted delivery but gets the edge and Jurel takes another sharp catch at second slip.

Lahiru Kumara plays out the last three balls with utmost caution.
13:30

Sonal Dinusha steers Sri Lanka past 350

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 353-7 (115 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Siraj comes back into the attack. He starts with a cracking bouncer forcing Dinusha to fend it away getting it off the inside half and not far from the fielder at short leg.

Siraj again goes short and this time the young left-hander plays a thumping pull shot over fine leg for a four to take Sri Lanka past the 350-run mark.

The fast bowler gets a short ball to move away as Dinusha plays inside the line and is beaten.

The fielders are called in for the last two balls to stop the single. Siraj's fifth ball is a bouncer as Dinusha ducks under it.

Siraj bowls a full delivery way down the leg side for a wide to add to Sri Lanka's total, which swells to 140.

Another one down the leg side, similar to the first one, but this time the umpire lets it go and Dinusha is not happy as this should have been wided too.

Clear skies in Colombo at the moment and no threat of rain anytime soon.

Jayasuriya also showing good application to defend everything coming his way. He gets a good stride out and keeps blocking.

Suthar bowls one of the line of leg stump and gets the ball to turn big and also bounce to beat Jayasuriya all ends up as he leans forward to defend.

Jayasuriya plays against the turn and gets the leading edge but it falls well short of Gill rushing in from the covers.
13:21

Suthar strikes after lunch; SL lose 7th wicket


SL 348-7 (113 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha taking most of the strike. He misses the reverse sweep off Suthar before getting a single off the same shot from the fourth ball.

Big turn and bounce for Suthar as Jayasuriya is beaten all ends up and he blocks the last ball.

After batting patiently, Dinusha finally breaks the shackles as he slog sweeps Jadeja for a four in the gap at midwicket. He then plays the reverse sweep for a single and Jayasuriya keeps out the last two balls.

In the next over, Dinusha misses the reverse sweep off Suthar but the impact is outside the line. He then under edges the ball past the wicketkeeper for a single.
13:08

Suthar strikes after lunch; SL lose 7th wicket

Manav Suthar
Manav Suthar

SL 341-7 (110 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Prasidh bowls a quick bouncer as Dinusha duck under before he swats a short wide delivery square on the off-side for a four, riding the bounce nicely to swat it in the gap.

That is the first boundary for Sri Lanka after a long wait of 104 balls.

A quick bouncer follows as Dinusha gets out of the way before a high bouncer is ruled a wide.

Jayasuriya is beaten a few times but he does his job well to keep out the over from Suthar.

Jadeja back into the attack in place of Prasidh. Dinusha defends the first two balls before he clips the spinner for a single.

Jayasuriya stretches forward to defend but is beaten on the outside edge.
12:56

Suthar strikes after lunch; SL lose 7th wicket


SL 335-7 (107 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Prasidh Krishna from the other end. A back of length delivery on the body from round the wicket as Dinusha defends it on the leg side.

Prasidh bowls a high bouncer which sails over Dinusha and is ruled a wide.

He switches to over the wicket and Dinusha pulls the fourth ball to square leg for a single and Jayasuriya defends the fifth ball and ignores the last ball way down the leg side.

In the next over, Dinusha steps out to drive Suthar through the covers for a couple of runs.

Dinusha farming the strike for most of the over. He attempts the reverse off the fifth ball but fails to connect. But he controls the shot last ball hitting it along the ground to thirdman for a single to retain strike.
12:46

Suthar strikes after lunch; Sri Lanka lose 7th wicket


SL 330-7 (105 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Play resumes after the lunch interval with Suthar starting off with the ball. Dinusha pushes the first ball into the off-side as Nuwantha wants a run but is sent back.

The left-hander sweeps the second ball but can't beat square leg before he clips the third ball off his pads for a single.

Suthar ends India's frustration with the wicket of Nuwantha, who is caught at second slip. Sharp turn and bounce for the spinner as Nuwantha pushes forward and gets the edge with Jurel taking a good catch close in to the batter.

Nuwantha walks back after a brave innings of 46 from 150 balls, having put on 112 runs from 242 balls for the seventh wicket with Dinusha.

Prabath Jayasuriya is struck on the pads first ball as Pant appeals but Suthar indicates the impact is too high.
12:06

Dinusha, Nuwantha guide Sri Lanka to 329/6 at lunch

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 329-6 (104 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

It has been a perfect morning session for Sri Lanka as they manage to bat out the entire session without losing a wicket.

Sri Lanka rally to reach 329/6 in 104 overs at lunch on Day 5, for an overall lead of 116 runs.

Dinusha continued his dream run with the bat, as he toiled hard to score a brilliant 105 not out from 106 balls.

No 8 Nuwantha stood tall at the other end, with 46 not out from 149 balls.

The duo frustrated the Indians in the morning session, putting on 111 runs from 238 balls.

India are still the favourites for victory, with Sri Lanka's lead just over the 100-run mark and 67 overs still left in the day.

If Sri Lanka manage to bat out the first hour in the second session, then the situation will get desperate for the Indians.
12:02

2nd Test: Dinusha, Nuwantha guide Sri Lanka to 329/6 at lunch


SL 329-6 (104 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Suthar strays down the leg side as Nuwantha clips it fine on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Dinusha is the third Sri Lankan batter to score four consecutive fifties in a Test series.

Jadeja back into the attack. Dinusha reverse sweeps the first ball to thirdman for a single before Nuwantha is struck on the boot by the arm ball fired into the right-hander.

A confident appeal from Jadeja which is turned down and Gill rightly decides against the review as the impact was way outside the leg stump.

Less than five minutes for lunch as Nuwantha takes his shoes off to get some treatment. He has taken a painful blow on the big toe on the left leg.

Nuwantha's injury time-off could ensure that this is the last over before the lunch break.

Jadeja bowls a flighted delivery as Nuwantha leans forward to defend and does the same next ball.

Jadeja strikes on the stroke of lunch as Nuwantha is given out leg before wicket after he opts to pad the ball away.

The umpire rules it out before Nuwantha takes the review. 

The impact is outside the line and the ball is going straight on and will miss the off-stump as the decision is overturned.

A lucky escape for Nuwantha and he plays out the last ball to end the morning session.
11:50

Dinusha hits fifty; Sri Lanka stretch lead


SL 326-6 (102 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Sharp turn for Suthar as Nuwantha is beaten on the outside edge before he drives the next through the covers for a single.

Dinusha uses his feet to drive the spinner down to long-on for one.

Some worried faces in the Indian dressing room as the coaches are having a serious chat with Gill, who has gone back to the dressing room for a small break. 

Head coach Gautam Gambhir doesn't look too happy at the moment.

Pant wants Suthar to continue bowling on the same spot to right-hander Nuwantha, who gets a big stride out to defend.

Dinusha gets to the pitch to sweep Jain for a single on the leg side. Nuwantha has been in complete control out in the middle, very good with his footwork. After keeping out four deliveries in a row with a solid block, he gets a single off the last ball.
11:42

Dinusha hits fifty; Sri Lanka stretch lead


SL 322-6 (100 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Saransh Jain oversteps for his fifth no-ball of the innings in his 24th over. Nuwantha punches the last ball through the covers for a single to keep the scoreboard moving along.

Sri Lanka have played out 100 overs, as they take their score to 322/6, leading by 109 runs.

Dinusha, on 52 from 103 balls, is undergoing some treatment while K L Rahul addresses the Indian team in the huddle.

Nuwantha has been provided good support, with a dogged knock of 42 from 128 balls.
11:35

2nd Test: Dinusha hits fifty; Sri Lanka stretch lead

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 320-6 (99 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Off-spinner Saransh Jain back into the attack. Nuwantha clips Jain with the spin through square leg for a four.

Dinusha gets a big stride out to sweep the next ball to deep square leg for one to raise the 100-run stand for the seventh wicket from 201 balls.

Suthar from the other end. Dinusha drives a wide delivery through the covers for a single.

Suthar switches to round the wicket but Nuwantha playing it late, defending the ball right under his eyes.

Suthar looking for some purchase from the rough. But Nuwantha manages to clip the last ball to deep square leg for another run.
11:28

Dinusha hits fifty; SL stretch lead past 100-run mark

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 316-6 (97 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha taps Jadeja on the off-side to complete his fifty from 99 balls to continue his incredible run with the bat.

Dinusha's previous three scores in the series read 100, 84 and 103.

India's bowlers have found it impossible to dismiss the left-hander, who has scored runs in all four innings of the series.

His proud father claps Dinusha's efforts from the stands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Nuwantha clips the fifth ball towards midwicket for another run.
11:22

Dinusha, Nuwantha stretch Sri Lanka's lead past 100-run mark


SL 314-6 (96 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha sweeps Jadeja for a single to deep square leg and Nuwantha pushes the second ball towards point for another run.

Dinusha laps Jadeja fine past the fielder at short fine leg for another run and Nuwantha watchfully keeps out the last two balls.

Short and wide from Suthar as Dinusha cuts it past point for a couple of runs.

The young left-hander punches the fourth ball through the covers for three runs to take the lead past 100.
11:15

Dinusha, Nuwantha guide Sri Lanka past 300

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SL 306-6 (94 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Captain Gill continues to ring in the changes as Suthar comes back into the attack. Nuwantha, who came into the series averaging 12 with the bat in first class cricket, continues to defend resolutely.

The last ball is slower and turns away to beat Nuwantha, who was pushing forward to defend.

In the next over, Dinusha misses the sweep off Jadeja but gets the shot right second ball for a single.

Nuwantha plays out the last four balls to complete 100 balls faced in the innings.

Dinusha once again very good with the sweep as he swipes Suthar for a single to midwicket.

Suthar fires the arm ball down the leg side as it brushes Nuwantha's pads for a leg bye and Dinusha paddles the spinner fine for one.

Suthar again beats Nuwantha on the outside edge with some turn before he keeps out the last ball.
11:04

2nd Test: Dinusha, Nuwantha guide Sri Lanka past 300


SL 302-6 (91 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Siraj back into the attack in place of Prasidh. A huge shout for caught behind off Nuwantha is turned down before Gill takes the late call to use the DRS.

It looks like the bat might have hit the ground resulting in the sound. The UltraEdge confirms that there is no spike when the ball passes the bat as India lose the review.

Siraj gets some away movement but the ball is wide enough to make right-hander Nuwantha play.

Nuwantha pushes away from the body but gets the shot safely through point for a four.

But he plays a cracking shot ball, getting a big stride forward to drive Siraj through the covers for another boundary.

Jadeja back into the attack. Turn and bounce for Jadeja as Dinusha coming forward to defend gets hit on the gloves with the ball flying past leg slip for another four -- the third boundary in a row -- to stretch the lead above 80.

Nuwantha drives Jadeja square for a single to the point region. Jadeja fires it quick but it slips down the leg side as Pant fails to collect for four byes.

That also takes Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark.
10:53

Nuwantha, Dinusha frustrate India

Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha

SL 284-6 (89 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Dinusha unable to get hold of the pull shot off Prasidh as he ends up deflecting it back on his body for a single.

Prasidh from round the wicket after a chat with captain Gill. Perhaps they might look at the short ball strategy.

But he bowls on length as Nuwantha playing from the crease is struck high on the pads but manages to collect a leg bye.

Dinusha is lucky as he looks to steal a quick single to the fielder in the covers and is lucky that the fielder misses the direct hit.

India's seamers have wasted the second new ball bowled too wide of the stumps.

Jain continues as Dinusha plays his trademark sweep behind square leg for a single.

The off-spinner switches to round the wicket line to Nuwantha. Turn and bounce for Jain as Nuwantha is struck on the pads with the ball going over the slip fielder for a leg bye.

At the drinks break, Sri Lanka reach 284/6 in 89 overs, having scored 55 runs in 16.2 overs in the first hour.

The key for Sri Lanka has been that they haven't lost a wicket.

Dinusha once again proving to be a thorn in the flesh for the Indians, with a defiant knock of 34 from 82 balls. He has got good support from Nuwantha, who has made 28 from 82 balls, with the duo putting on 66 runs for the seventh wicket, having played out more than 25 overs -- 151 balls.
10:41

Nuwantha, Dinusha take Sri Lanka past 250


SL 279-6 (87 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Prasidh continues as Dinusha steers the first ball behind point for two runs to raise the 50-run stand for the seventh wicket from 125 balls.

The duo have put together a resilient partnership to frustrate the Indians, while giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope as they aim to salvage a draw.

Nuwantha hits the pacer through the covers for a couple of runs, taking on Jadeja's arm for the second run.

The last is a low full toss as Nuwantha plays a beautiful straight drive back past the non-striker for a boundary.

Dinusha gets a big stride out, to reach to the pitch sweeping off-spinner Jain to deep square leg for a single.

Nuwantha goes right to swat Jain to midwicket for one and Dinusha keeps strike with a single from the last ball.
10:34

Nuwantha, Dinusha take Sri Lanka past 250

Ravindra Jadeja appeals
Ravindra Jadeja appeals

SL 277-6 (85 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Pace from both ends with the new ball with Siraj back into the attack. He keeps it outside line of off-stump as Nuwantha offers no shot to the first fours balls.

He blocks the fifth followed by another leave as Siraj registers his fifth maiden over.

Dinusha and Nuwantha pick a single each off Prasidh. The pacer gets some extra bounce as left-hander Dinusha is struck high on the pads with the ball rolling towards the off-side to get the Sri Lankans a leg bye.

Nuwantha drives the last ball in the gap at covers for two runs.

Just a single over for Siraj with the new ball as off-spinner Jain comes back to have a go with a brand new ball.

Dinusha plays the lap sweep first ball for two runs to take the lead past the 50-run mark. The next ball is again swept this time just for a single.

Nuwantha rocks back to punch Jain towards mid-on for another easy run.

Dinusha steps down the track but gets the leading edge which falls safely for a single.


10:22

Nuwantha, Dinusha take Sri Lanka past 250


SL 257-6 (82 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Another easy single for Dinusha off Suthar on the leg side to bring up Sri Lanka's 250 in the 80th over.

Will India take the second new ball?

Jadeja continues from the other end as the two Sri Lankans collect three easy singles from the over to keep the scoreboard moving along.

Prasidh Krishna into the attack for the first time on Day 5. After two looseners, India take the second new ball. The field comes in, two slips and a gully but the deep square leg stays out.

Dinusha, on 17 from 61 balls, has shown great temperament. In his last three innings he batted with a lot of freedom but here he has shown a lot of patience to bat defensively and frustrate the Indians.

He is not pushing at deliveries away from the off-stump but goes after a wide half-volley smashing it past point for a four -- his first boundary of the innings after 64 balls faced.
10:08

Nuwantha, Dinusha keep India at bay


SL 249-6 (79 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Left-arm spinners from both ends as Jadeja takes over from Jain at the other end. Dinusha sweeps the first ball behind square for a single and Nuwantha steals a tight single to mid-off.

Dinusha takes a step down and pushes Jadeja into the off-side for a single.

Turn and bounce for Jadeja as Nuwantha pushing forward to defend is beaten on the outside edge. Jadeja is interested as he appeals for caught behind but nothing from his team-mates.

Dinusha shows good defence to keep out the first three balls followed by a single and Nuwantha rock solid in defence again.

Dinusha taking the singles as he clips Jadeja for one and Nuwantha keeps out the rest of the over.
09:57

Nuwantha, Dinusha start positively on Day 5


SL 244-6 (76 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Saransh Jain continues from the other end. Dinusha sweeps the first ball behind square for a single and Nuwantha punches the next through the covers for two runs.

Jain pitching it up as Nuwantha leans forward to block right under his eyes. He punches the fifth ball down to long-on for a single and Dinusha blocks the last ball.

Just the one over for Jadeja as Manav Suthar comes into the attack. Nuwantha clips the third ball into the leg side for a single and Dinusha pulls the last ball for another run.
09:50

Nuwantha, Dinusha start positively on Day 5


SL 238-6 (74 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

It remains to be seen if Sonal Dinusha and Nuwantha Keshara continue their ultra-defensive tactics on Day 5. India won't mind Sri Lanka batting for time as the lead is still under 20 and they need just one wicket to get into the tail.

Saransh Jain will start off with the ball on Day 5, completing the over which was left unfinished as play ended early because of rain.

He gives it a lot of flight as Nuwantha Kesara leans forward to block the first two balls and end Jain's 18th over.

Ravindra Jadeja from the other end. Dinusha uses his feet to drive Jadeja to long-on for a single and Nuwantha clips the next towards midwicket for two runs.

Slow and a bit flight from Jadeja as Nuwantha slog sweeps it over midwicket for a four.

Sri Lanka's tactics are quite evident, they will look to score runs and put the pressure back on India.

Short and wide as Nuwantha rocks back to cut it past point for a couple of runs.
09:40

'A good fifth day pitch'


Former Sri Lanka batter Russell Arnold says pitch is 'a good fifth day pitch' and not impossible to bat despite the rough patches.

"It is a good fifth day pitch. If you trusted your defence like the batters have shown through this Test you can survive. You can bat and bat and put pressure on the opposition. 

Around the good length area the soil has dispersed it has crumbled a bit but it doesn't look that dangerous."
09:19

Play likely to start on time on Day 5

Team India
Team India

SL 229-6 (72.4 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

It is a bright sunny morning at Colombo at the moment and play could start at the scheduled start time at 9.45am IST.

But there is prediction for rain starting at 10am which means we could quite a few interruptions during the day.

The players from the two teams are currently going through their warms ups.

08:50

Will rain affect India's victory push on Day 5?

image

SL 229-6 (72.4 ovs) f/o & 290 vs India 503-9 | SCORECARD

Welcome to the coverage of the fifth and final day of the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Thursday.

Sri Lanka mounted a brief fightback on Day 4, but India remain firmly on course for a series-sweeping victory. 

Following on, the hosts finished day four on 229/6, 16 runs ahead, with only four wickets in hand.

Sonal Dinusha, who top-scored with a fluent 103 in Sri Lanka's first innings, was unbeaten on seven, with Keshara Nuwantha on three when rain ended play early on the fourth day.

The weather could once again play a part on the fifth day. Accuweather is forecasting periods of rain throughout Thursday, with spells of rain predicted from 10am onwards till late evening.

India will aim to polish off the remaining four Sri Lankan wickets and chase down the target whenever play starts on day five.