padikkal hits unbeaten
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Padikkal hits unbeaten ton as India dominate Sri Lanka

ByJustpaste.in

GALLE: Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to India’s Test side in spectacular fashion, scoring an unbeaten century as India finished the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 288-2 on Saturday.

The left-handed batter, recalled as a late replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, remained unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls, striking 12 fours and a six. His composed innings put India firmly in control on a rain-affected day at the Galle International Stadium.

Padikkal’s century was the first of his Test career and strengthened his case for a permanent place at No. 3. The 26-year-old had last played a Test in November 2024 but entered the match with confidence after scoring a hundred in India’s warm-up game in Colombo.

He joined KL Rahul after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 following a mix-up. The pair then produced a commanding 150-run partnership that shifted the momentum decisively towards India.

Padikkal reached his half-century from 81 deliveries, while Rahul took 127 balls to register his 21st Test fifty. Rahul eventually retired hurt on 77 after suffering cramps but is expected to continue his innings on the second day.

India captain Shubman Gill also fell for 16, attempting to clear mid-off against spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Rishabh Pant, however, remained unbeaten alongside Padikkal on 27, leaving India with a strong platform for a big first-innings total.

Sri Lanka’s fielding coach Jordon Gregory admitted his side had missed opportunities, while praising Padikkal’s discipline and temperament.

Rain restricted the day to just 73 overs from the scheduled 90, prompting officials to bring Sunday’s play forward by 15 minutes.

The Test is particularly significant as it marks India’s return to Sri Lanka for Test cricket after several years, with valuable World Test Championship points at stake. India have also maintained an unbeaten Test record against Sri Lanka since 2015.

With Padikkal settled at the crease and Pant providing support, India will enter the second day with the clear opportunity to build a massive total and put Sri Lanka under early pressure.

Still to bat: D. Jurel, R. Jadeja, M. Suthar, K. Yadav, M. Siraj, P. Krishna

Fall of wickets: 47 (Jaiswal), 236 (Gill)

Sri Lanka Bowling

  • A. Fernando: 10-1-28-0 (1nb)
  • L. Kumara: 10-1-51-0
  • K. Nuwantha: 21-0-98-0 (2nb)
  • P. Jayasuriya: 24-4-77-1
  • D. de Silva: 4-0-15-0
  • S. Dinusha: 4-0-17-0

India lead the opening day at 288-2, with Padikkal unbeaten on 131.

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