Source cricbuzz
COLOMBO — A magnificent unbeaten century from Dhruv Jurel and a lethal late-evening burst from the bowlers put India in complete control of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground.
India declared their first innings at a commanding 503 for 9 before striking twice in just three overs before stumps, reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for 2 and leaving the hosts trailing by 495 runs.
Jurel and Pant Anchor the Lower Order
Resuming Day 2 at 300 for 5, India suffered an early jolt when seamer Asitha Fernando (4/106) removed debutant Saransh Jain for 6. However, Rishabh Pant—returning to the crease after retiring hurt on Day 1—joined Jurel to counterattack effectively.
The duo forged a vital 112-run stand for the seventh wicket. Pant brought up a combative half-century (63 off 78 balls) before falling right after lunch. Jurel then took over the anchor role, stitching together handy lower-order partnerships with Manav Suthar (18) and Mohammed Siraj.
After weathering a lengthy rain interruption near tea and navigating a tense passage on 99, Jurel scampered a tight single to notch his second Test century. Unshackled by the milestone, he launched Fernando for a pair of towering sixes, finishing unbeaten on 115 off 177 deliveries with nine boundaries and two sixes. The innings complemented Devdutt Padikkal’s Day 1 ton (117) and paved the way for an aggressive declaration.
Crucial Strikes Before Stumps
With fading light and dark clouds looming over Colombo, India’s bowlers maximized the brief window before the close of play:
Prasidh Krishna struck in the opening over, inducing an edge from opener Lahiru Udara (1), smartly snapped up by Yashasvi Jaiswal diving to his right at third slip.
Manav Suthar, introduced to bowl spin due to deteriorating light, struck with the final ball of the day, trapping nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya (2) leg-before.
Sri Lanka will resume Day 3 facing a steep uphill battle with Kamil Mishara (5*) at the crease and eight first-innings wickets remaining.
Brief Scores:
India (1st Innings): 503/9 decl. (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Dhruv Jurel 115*, Rishabh Pant 63; Asitha Fernando 4/106)
Sri Lanka (1st Innings): 8/2 in 3 overs (Kamil Mishara 5*; Prasidh Krishna 1/5, Manav Suthar 1/0)
Sri Lanka trail by 495 runs.
