India ended the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo today in a strong position at present, reaching 300/5 at stumps. After winning the toss, India chose to bat on a good surface but lost KL Rahul for 18 and Yashasvi Jaiswal for 45. Devdutt Padikkal then produced the standout innings, scoring a composed 117 off 193 balls with 12 boundaries. He shared crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja to steady India’s innings. Gill added a patient 50, while Jadeja made 43 before Asitha Fernando dismissed him with an inswinger.
Fernando was Sri Lanka’s best bowler, taking 3/46, with Lahiru Kumara and Keshara Nuwantha also picking up wickets. The SSC pitch offered good batting conditions and fairly true bounce, although the bowlers found some movement. Colombo remained warm and humid, with showers a possible interruption. India will now aim to build a commanding first-innings total on Day 2.
