New Delhi: There were ups and downs on the third day of the India-Sri Lanka first Test being played in Galle. The day started well for India, but the hosts made a comeback in the second session thanks to Niroshan Dickwella and Niroshan Sonal.
India wrapped up its first innings at 462.
On the morning of the third day, India ended its first innings at 462 runs. After this, as soon as Sri Lanka's batting started, pressure was visible on the team. Opener Nishan Madushka returned to the pavilion without opening the account.
Lahiru Udara scored 27 runs. After this Dinesh Chandimal was out after scoring 4 runs and Kamindu Mendis after scoring 14 runs. By lunch, Sri Lanka's score was 99 runs for 5 wickets and India looked to be in a strong position.
Dickwella-Sonal took over the innings
The course of the match changed after lunch. Niroshan Dickwella and Niroshan Sonal made a brilliant partnership for the sixth wicket. Dickwella played an aggressive inning of 80 runs. Whereas Sonal scored a century and got the team out of trouble by scoring 100 runs. Together they took Sri Lanka to 284 runs. In this way the host team remained 178 runs behind India in the first innings.
performance of indian bowlers
Manav Suthar was the most successful bowler for India. He took 4 wickets. Ravindra Jadeja took 3 wickets. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna got 1 wicket each.
Game stopped early due to rain
At the end of Sri Lanka's innings, 13 overs were left on the third day. India was about to start the second innings, but due to strong wind and rain, the umpires ended play for the day. Now the remaining play will take place on the fourth day.
What will be the plan on the fourth day?
On the fourth day, India will bat with a lead of 178 runs. The team will try to add at least 200 more runs to this lead. If this happens then Sri Lanka will have a target of more than 350.
India's planning is clear – first make a big lead, then win the match by all-out Sri Lanka on the last day. At the same time, for Sri Lanka, the innings of Dickwella-Sonal has averted the danger of defeat a bit.
Now it has to be seen how the host team performs in bowling on the fourth day and whether they are able to stop India. Now the ball is helping the spinners on the Galle pitch. In such a situation, the role of Jadeja and Suthar will be important.