Most expected India’s bowlers to swiftly polish off the tail on Day 5 and wrap up the match. Instead, an epic unbeaten century from Sonal Dinusha, combined with astonishing stubbornness from the lower order, secured a draw for the hosts that felt every bit as satisfying as a win. Having won the opening Test, India claimed the two-match series 1-0.
Dinusha was the ultimate roadblock in India’s path to victory, anchoring Sri Lanka’s second innings with a magnificent, unbeaten 133 off 264 balls.
After taking a massive 213-run lead in the first innings, India walked out on the final day aiming for a 2-0 series sweep. But Dinusha’s resolute stance held the visitors at bay. By the time both sides agreed to call it a draw, Sri Lanka’s lead had stretched to 216 runs.
Having been forced to follow on, Sri Lanka had resumed the final day at 229 for 6. The resistance had begun late on Day 4 when Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha stitched together a vital 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket, with Nuwantha contributing 46. The pair continued to make the Indian attack toil early on the Day 5 pitch.
When Manav Suthar finally broke the stand by removing Nuwantha, number nine Prabath Jayasuriya couldn't hold out for long. However, Lahiru Kumara then stepped up to provide Dinusha with another lengthy, frustrating stand for the tourists. The duo thwarted the Indian attack for 28 overs, with Kumara alone showing tremendous patience to face 90 balls.
Even after Ravindra Jadeja eventually dismissed Kumara, India still couldn't breach Dinusha's defenses. Last man Asitha Fernando joined him and, despite failing to score a single run, heroically survived 24 crucial deliveries.
With the lead touching 216 and a Sri Lankan defeat completely out of the equation, the hosts declared their innings. India accepted the handshake, ending the match with 17 overs remaining in the day's play.
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