Dinusha hits century as Sri Lanka post 284 in first India Test
India took a first innings lead of 178 runs in the first Test against Sri Lanka on Monday after bowling out the hosts for 284 on day three in Galle.
Sri Lanka were in danger of being asked to follow on after being reduced to 90 for five in reply to India's 462 all out.
But a defiant century by Sonal Dinusha (100) helped them claw back into the game.
Dinusha, playing just his fourth Test match, handled India's spin attack well after little resistance from the top order.
Sri Lanka had lost half the side in the morning session, but Dinusha together with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella (80) helped Sri Lanka stage a recovery as they batted through the extended afternoon session.
They were involved in a 146-run stand for the sixth wicket, a much-needed partnership for Sri Lanka.
Dickwella, making his comeback after more than three years, justified his selection by hitting his 23rd Test half-century.
He used the sweep shot to good effect and looked set for a maiden hundred but was caught behind off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna.
Manav Suthar was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with four wickets while Ravindra Jadeja claimed three.
(E.Beaufort--LPdF)
