India pacer Prasidh Krishna ended Sri Lanka’s impressive fightback on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle, dismissing Niroshan Dickwella to break a crucial 146-run sixth-wicket partnership. The breakthrough came at a vital stage as India looked to regain control after Sri Lanka had recovered from a difficult start.
Krishna struck with the fourth delivery of the 62nd over. The seamer bowled a good-length delivery that moved away from Dickwella, who pushed at it uncertainly. The ball took the outside edge and travelled through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who made no mistake behind the stumps.
Dickwella narrowly missed out on a maiden Test century but played a crucial innings for Sri Lanka. He scored 80 off 115 deliveries, including seven boundaries, before departing with the hosts at 236/6 after 61.4 overs.
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Sri Lanka had endured a disastrous start to their first innings. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Nishan Fernando for a two-ball duck in the opening over, before spinner Manav Suthar struck twice to remove Dinesh Chandimal for four and Lahiru Udara for 27.
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Kuldeep Yadav then dismissed Kamindu Mendis for 14, while Ravindra Jadeja removed Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 21. The hosts were reduced to 90/5 and appeared to be heading towards a heavy deficit.
However, Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha launched a strong counterattack, adding 146 runs from 213 balls for the sixth wicket. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka recover significantly before Krishna provided India with the much-needed breakthrough.
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At the time of writing, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 284 in 80 overs, after which stumps were called due to the rain interruption. India had earlier posted a commanding 462 after choosing to bat first. Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer, scoring a magnificent 167 off 230 balls, including 15 fours and a six.
