India vice-captain KL Rahul produced a sharp low catch at first slip to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 3 of the opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Monday, August 17. The dismissal further strengthened India’s grip on the contest as Sri Lanka’s batting order continued to struggle.
The breakthrough came with the first delivery of the 27th over. Ravindra Jadeja bowled from around the wicket, sending down an 89.6kph delivery that drifted towards middle stump before turning away from the right-hander. Dhananjaya edged the ball, which travelled low towards Rahul at first slip. The Indian vice-captain reacted quickly, bending forward and completing a neat two-handed catch.
Dhananjaya managed 21 runs from 41 deliveries, including four boundaries. His dismissal left Sri Lanka in serious trouble at 90/5 after 26.1 overs.
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Sri Lanka’s first innings had started poorly, with Mohammed Siraj striking in the opening over to remove Nishan Fernando for a two-ball duck. Manav Suthar then added to the pressure by dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for four and Lahiru Udara for 27, leaving the hosts reeling at 53/3.
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India captain Shubman Gill also made a significant contribution in the field, taking a spectacular catch to remove Kamindu Mendis for 14 off 25 balls and hand Kuldeep Yadav his first wicket. Jadeja then completed another crucial breakthrough by removing Dhananjaya.
At Lunch on Day 3, Sri Lanka were 99/5 after 28 overs and still trailed India by 363 runs. Sonal Dinusha was unbeaten on 14, while Niroshan Dickwella was batting on eight.
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Earlier, India posted an imposing 462 in their first innings, with Devdutt Padikkal leading the scoring with a magnificent 167 off 230 balls, including 15 fours and a six.
