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Devdutt Padikkal's magnificent 167 remained the highlight as India finished Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 460/9 in Galle. Despite losing seven wickets for 172 runs during a truncated day, India retained a commanding position after Sri Lanka's bowlers fought back strongly in the final two sessions.
Heavy rain and a wet outfield washed out the entire morning session, with play finally resuming at 2:35 PM local time. India had begun the day at a dominant 288/2 and managed to add 172 runs before stumps, but Sri Lanka's improved bowling effort prevented the visitors from running away with the game.
Kuldeep Yadav (12)* and Prasidh Krishna (1)* were at the crease when play was called off.
Padikkal continues stunning run with 167
Resuming on an unbeaten 131, Padikkal continued his impressive performance at No. 3 and completed his maiden 150-plus Test score. The left-hander eventually made 167 off 230 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six. He became only the third Indian batter to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka from No. 3, joining Rahul Dravid (177) and Cheteshwar Pujara (153).
Padikkal's innings finally ended when Prabath Jayasuriya deceived him in flight. The batter advanced down the pitch but failed to make contact, allowing wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella to complete a sharp stumping.
Padikkal received a standing ovation from the Galle crowd as he walked back to the pavilion after producing one of India's finest knocks of the innings.
Rahul and Pant depart after rain delay
India's overnight pair did not last long once play resumed. Rishabh Pant was the first to go, falling for 39 off 62 balls. Looking to attack, Pant attempted to loft Keshara Nuwantha but mistimed the shot, with Sonal Dinusha completing the catch.
KL Rahul then returned to the crease after retiring hurt on 77 due to cramps on Day 1. However, he added only five runs to his overnight score before falling for 82. Nuwantha extracted turn and bounce, and Rahul's defensive effort ended up in the hands of Nishan Madhushka at short leg.
Jurel, Suthar provide lower-order resistance
India went into tea at 364/5, but Sri Lanka continued to chip away after the break. Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw by Nuwantha for 13, leaving India six down. However, Dhruv Jurel then produced a valuable counter-attacking innings.
Jurel scored 51 off 68 balls, including four fours and a six. He was given a life on 29 when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a difficult chance at first slip, but de Silva later made amends with a spectacular catch to dismiss the India batter off Jayasuriya.
Jurel and Manav Suthar added 55 runs for the seventh wicket, helping India cross the 400-run mark. Suthar also played an important cameo, scoring 24 off 43 balls, before he was caught at long-on off Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka fight back with spin
Jayasuriya emerged as Sri Lanka's most effective bowler, finishing the day with 4/109 from 39 overs. Nuwantha also impressed with his persistence, claiming 3/175.
Mohammed Siraj was also dismissed late for 11, caught by Dhananjaya off Asitha Fernando, leaving India nine down. However, the visitors avoided further damage before stumps, with Kuldeep and Prasidh adding an unbeaten 13-run stand.
India will be satisfied with their overall position despite Sri Lanka's late fightback. Padikkal's 167, Rahul's 82 and Jurel's 51 have given the visitors a substantial first-innings platform, while contributions from the lower order have taken them close to the 500-run mark.
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