Sonal Dinusha produced an unbeaten 133 to help Sri Lanka escape with a draw against India in the second Test in Colombo, despite being forced to follow on after conceding a 213-run first-innings deficit.
Sri Lanka reached 429 for nine in their second innings before the match ended in a draw, leaving India with a 1-0 series victory. (Indian Express, ICC)
It was a remarkable recovery from a position in which India appeared firmly in control of the Test.
India had a 213-run first-innings advantage
India declared their first innings on 503 for nine.
Sri Lanka responded with 290 and were asked to follow on.
That left the hosts facing the prospect of an innings defeat before their second-innings resistance transformed the match. (Indian Express, NDTV Sports)
Dinusha leads the resistance
Sri Lanka began the final day on 229 for six.
Dinusha, supported by Keshara Nuwantha, frustrated India's attack through the opening session.
The pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket, with Nuwantha contributing 46.
Dinusha continued after Nuwantha's dismissal and finished unbeaten on 133 from 264 balls as Sri Lanka reached 429 for nine. (Indian Express)
Second century of the match
The innings was even more remarkable because Dinusha had already scored 103 in Sri Lanka's first innings.
His unbeaten 133 therefore completed centuries in both innings of the Test.
The ICC reported that it was his third century of the two-match series. (ICC)
India take the series
Sri Lanka's resistance prevented India from completing a second victory, but it did not change the series result.
India had won the first Test in Galle and therefore took the two-match series 1-0.
The ICC said the draw left Sri Lanka sixth in the World Test Championship standings and India fifth at the conclusion of the match. (ICC)
For Sri Lanka, however, the final day belonged to Dinusha and a lower order that turned what had looked like a likely defeat into a hard-earned draw.
Key facts
- India: 503/9 declared
- Sri Lanka first innings: 290
- Sri Lanka second innings: 429/9
- Result: Draw
- Series: India won 1-0
- Sonal Dinusha: 103 and 133 not out