Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 98 keeps Sri Lanka alive for hard-fought draw against India

Colombo, August 27, 2026; Sri Lanka produced a determined batting display on the final day of the second Test against India, with Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 98 steering the hosts towards a potential draw.

Sri Lanka reached 383/8 by lunch, stretching their overall lead to 170 runs. Dinusha remained at the crease alongside Lahiru Kumara, who was unbeaten on two, as the lower order continued to frustrate India’s bowling attack.

Resuming the session at 329/6, Sri Lanka lost Keshara Nuwantha early when Manav Suthar had him caught behind by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Nuwantha made 46 from 150 deliveries, ending a crucial partnership with Dinusha.

The dismissal did little to unsettle Dinusha, who continued to anchor the innings while Prabath Jayasuriya offered valuable support. Dinusha’s aggressive pull shot helped Sri Lanka cross 350 before Ravindra Jadeja finally removed Jayasuriya for two.

With wickets becoming increasingly difficult for India to find, Kumara stayed at the crease for more than 50 balls, allowing Dinusha to push Sri Lanka’s advantage beyond 150 runs.

Dinusha, who moved into the 90s during the session, remained unbeaten on 98 at the interval and is now just two runs away from a well-deserved century.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had begun the final day on 229/6, holding a narrow 16-run advantage. Dinusha and Nuwantha then built a 100-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly towards the hosts.

Dinusha completed his fourth fifty-plus score of the series from 99 balls, while Nuwantha provided determined support. Their partnership carried Sri Lanka beyond 300 and gave India little time to force a result.

India‘s spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar struggled to make regular breakthroughs, while the introduction of the new ball also failed to immediately break Sri Lanka’s resistance.

With the clock running down and only two wickets remaining, Sri Lanka now appear well placed to secure a fighting draw unless India can produce a late collapse.

Brief scores: India 503/9 declared (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Dhruv Jurel 115*; Asitha Fernando 4/106) and Sri Lanka 290 & 383/8, with Dinusha 98*.