NGTV NEWS | SPORTS
Sri Lanka Hold India to a Dramatic Draw; India Clinch Test Series 1-0
COLOMBO, AUGUST 27, 2026: Sri Lanka produced a remarkable fightback on Thursday to hold India to a draw in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India, who had been in a commanding position after enforcing the follow-on, were denied a series clean sweep as Sri Lanka finished on 429/9 in their second innings. India, however, secured the two-match series 1-0, following their 165-run victory in the opening Test at Galle.
India had dominated the early stages of the Colombo Test. After winning the toss, the visitors declared their first innings at 503/9, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 117 and Dhruv Jurel remaining unbeaten on 115. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 290, leaving India with a substantial 213-run first-innings lead. Captain Shubman Gill opted to enforce the follow-on, putting Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.
But what followed was one of Sri Lanka’s most determined Test batting displays in recent times. The hosts resumed the final day at 229/6, only 16 runs ahead, with the Indian bowling attack still chasing victory. Sonal Dinusha emerged as the central figure, producing an unbeaten 133 from 264 balls to frustrate India’s hopes of completing the win.
Dinusha received valuable support from Keshara Nuwantha, who scored 46, while Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando helped him consume crucial overs. The resistance ensured that India could not claim the final wicket before time ran out. Ravindra Jadeja finished with three wickets in the second innings, while Manav Suthar also played a key role with the ball.
The draw was a major result for Sri Lanka, particularly because they had been forced to follow on. Dinusha’s second century of the match also completed an extraordinary individual performance and made him one of the defining players of the series.
For India, the result will be viewed as a missed opportunity after being so close to victory. The draw also leaves their World Test Championship campaign under pressure, with India remaining fifth in the standings.
Final Result: India won the two-Test series 1-0; the second Test ended in a draw.
NGTV NEWS — SPORTS DESK
