Dinusha’s Twin Century Heroics Help Sri Lanka Hold India to WTC Draw

Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten second hundred of the match steered Sri Lanka to a remarkable escape after India enforced the follow-on

Sri Lanka produced a stunning final-day fightback in Colombo to secure a draw against India and prevent a series sweep in the two-match World Test Championship contest.

India had been firmly in control after enforcing the follow-on, but Sonal Dinusha delivered an extraordinary display of resilience, scoring his second century of the match to help Sri Lanka survive until the end.

Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha laid the foundation for the escape during the morning session, putting together a crucial 100-run partnership. Nuwantha contributed 46 while Dinusha reached his half-century, taking Sri Lanka's lead to 116 by lunch.

India eventually broke the partnership after the interval, with Manav Suthar dismissing Nuwantha through a catch at slip taken by Dhruv Jurel. Ravindra Jadeja then removed Prabath Jayasuriya, with Jurel again completing the catch.

Despite the setbacks, Dinusha remained composed. He finished the second session unbeaten on 98, with Lahiru Kumara providing valuable support as Sri Lanka stretched their lead to 170.

The defining moment arrived immediately after Tea when Dinusha took two runs from the opening delivery to complete his second century of the match and his third hundred of the series.

Kumara battled for 90 deliveries before Jadeja claimed his third wicket, but Sri Lanka continued to resist. India's captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jurel were also brought into the attack as the hosts pushed towards safety.

Sri Lanka eventually declared, bringing an extraordinary day's cricket to an end as both teams shook hands on a draw.

Dinusha received a standing ovation after an unbeaten century that proved decisive in saving the Test. His effort, combined with crucial resistance from Nuwantha, Kumara and Sri Lanka's lower order, denied India victory after the visitors had enforced the follow-on.

India nevertheless won the two-Test series 1-0, following their dominant 165-run victory in Galle. Sri Lanka retained sixth place in the WTC standings, while India remain fifth with a 51.52 points percentage.

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