Day 3, Stumps: Suthar, Jadeja restrict Sri Lanka to 284 in first innings as India take 178-run lead

Indian bowlers overcame a spirited century from Sonal Dinusha to seize firm control of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Monday, dismissing the hosts for 284 and securing a substantial 178-run first-innings lead on the third day. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar spearheaded India's attack with figures of 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja returned 3/57. Sri Lanka appeared headed for an early collapse after slipping to 99 for five by lunch, but Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella mounted an impressive fightback.

Dinusha leads resistance

Dinusha produced a patient maiden international century, scoring 100 from 168 deliveries, while Dickwella struck 80 off 115 balls. The pair added 146 runs from 216 deliveries for the sixth wicket and frustrated India through the entire second session, during which Sri Lanka scored 116 runs without losing a wicket.

With the surface continuing to offer reasonable assistance to the batters, Dinusha and Dickwella adopted a measured approach against India's spinners. Both relied heavily on the sweep and resisted the temptation to attack deliveries outside their preferred scoring areas. Dickwella completed his half-century from 67 balls, while Dinusha reached the landmark from 92 deliveries. The partnership was eventually broken shortly after the start of the final session. Dickwella, who had earlier been dropped by KL Rahul at slip on 20 off Suthar, edged Prasidh Krishna behind to Rishabh Pant.

Dinusha continued to resist and completed his century from 167 balls. His celebrations, however, were short-lived as Jadeja trapped him leg before with the very next delivery. Their dismissals allowed India to regain control and wrap up the Sri Lankan innings for 284.

Suthar strikes early

Earlier, India resumed their first innings at 460 for nine and could add only two runs before being dismissed for 462. Sri Lanka's hopes of mounting a strong response suffered an immediate setback when Mohammed Siraj struck with only his second delivery. Nishan Fernando was unable to negotiate the pacer's away movement and bounce, edging to Devdutt Padikkal at first slip to leave the hosts at 0 for one.

Suthar then made an instant impact. Introduced into the attack, the left-arm spinner struck with his first delivery as veteran Dinesh Chandimal feathered an outside edge through to Pant. Suthar consistently troubled Sri Lanka's batters with his flight, dip and turn, while maintaining a brisk pace through the air.

Top order crumbles

Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis briefly threatened to rebuild the innings. Mendis pulled Krishna for six, while Udara countered Suthar with boundaries through the pull and cut. The resistance did not last. Suthar removed Udara after an uncertain shot found Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. Mendis was unfortunate to depart when his uppish push against Kuldeep Yadav was brilliantly intercepted by a diving Shubman Gill.

Jadeja then joined the wicket-taking act by removing Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 21. De Silva edged the experienced left-arm spinner to Rahul at slip, leaving the hosts five wickets down before lunch.

Sri Lanka's top order was repeatedly undone by tentative footwork and hard hands, particularly when playing away from the body. In contrast, Dinusha and Dickwella demonstrated the patience required to negotiate India's varied spin attack. Their 146-run stand prevented Sri Lanka from suffering a much heavier first-innings deficit, but India's bowlers eventually prevailed. With a 178-run advantage secured, the visitors ended the third day holding a commanding position in the opening Test.