Xplorich
The day began with India looking to build on their strong first-innings platform, but Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough when Asitha Fernando dismissed debutant Saransh Jain. The fast bowler surprised Jain with a sharp bouncer, which produced a leading edge to gully.
That brought Rishabh Pant back to the crease after the wicketkeeper-batter had retired hurt on three following a blow to his left wrist. Sri Lanka repeatedly tested him with short deliveries, but Pant responded in trademark fashion. He pulled a Lahiru Kumara delivery over the stadium roof for six, with the shot even damaging a solar panel.
Despite taking two blows to his right shoulder, Pant continued attacking, using paddle sweeps and aggressive footwork to unsettle the bowlers. Alongside Dhruv Jurel, he took India safely through to lunch.
Pant reached his 21st Test fifty before falling for 63 off 89 balls from the first delivery after lunch. Jurel then took charge, combining with Suthar to keep India moving towards 500.
Suthar made 18 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, but Jurel remained composed. Rain and poor weather forced another interruption, delaying play by two hours and 10 minutes.
Once play resumed, Jurel completed his second Test century and first in Sri Lankan conditions by driving Fernando over his head. He then raised his sleeve to reveal his “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” tattoo.
Jurel finished unbeaten on 115 from 177 balls as India crossed 500. Krishna added a boundary before Gill declared.
India immediately attacked Sri Lanka with the new ball. Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udara for one, while Suthar trapped Jayasuriya lbw as fading light brought an early end to proceedings.
Sri Lanka now trail by 495 runs with eight wickets remaining in their first innings.
