Mohammed Siraj gave India an early breakthrough on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle, dismissing Nishan Madushka for a duck as Sri Lanka began their reply to India’s imposing first-innings total of 462. The hosts were left one wicket down, with Lahiru Udara and Dinesh Chandimal tasked with rebuilding the innings and keeping India’s bowlers at bay.
India resumed Day 3 on 460 for nine but added only two runs before their innings ended. Asitha Fernando dismissed Prasidh Krishna to claim the final Indian wicket, bringing Sri Lanka’s bowling effort to a close.
Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer for India, producing a superb 167 to anchor the visitors’ lengthy first innings. His marathon knock provided India with a strong platform and played a major role in helping them reach a commanding total in Galle.
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Prabath Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s leading bowler, finishing with figures of 4/109. Keshara Nuwantha also picked up three wickets, although he conceded 175 runs during India’s dominant batting display. Fernando claimed two wickets for 63 runs, including the final wicket of the innings.
Early breakthrough for Team India! 💥
Mohammed Siraj strikes with just the second ball.
Watch #SLvIND, 1st Test | Day 3, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SLvIND #MohammedSiraj #BeautifulGameOfTestCricket pic.twitter.com/zHSQOGD0jj
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 17, 2026
Sri Lanka’s response immediately suffered a setback when Siraj removed Madushka without allowing him to score. The early dismissal gave India momentum as the hosts looked to settle into their first innings.
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With 462 on the board, Sri Lanka face a significant challenge to remain competitive in the Test. Udara and Chandimal will be crucial to the hosts’ hopes of building a substantial partnership, while India’s bowlers will look to maintain the pressure.
India, meanwhile, will take confidence from Padikkal’s outstanding century and their imposing first-innings total as they aim to establish control over the opening Test in Galle.
