The second test match of the series between India and Sri Lanka concluded in a competitive draw. Throughout the test series, Sri Lankan middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha put on an extraordinary batting performance, accumulating a massive total of runs. Dinusha scored centuries in both innings of the Colombo test match, bringing his aggregate tally to 420 runs across two matches. Although he finished as the top run-scorer of the series, the prestigious Player of the Series award was awarded to India's left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal.
Devdutt Padikkal's High-Impact Contributions
Looking at Devdutt Padikkal's campaign in the test series, the Indian batter received the opportunity to bat in only three innings. Capitalizing effectively on these limited outings, Padikkal scored centuries at both Galle and Colombo, accumulating a total of 328 runs. His consistent form at the top of the order played a vital role in placing India in commanding positions. Despite Dinusha scoring more runs overall, Padikkal's crucial match-defining knocks earned him the coveted series accolade.
Sonal Dinusha's Heroic Resistance and Records
Sonal Dinusha's achievement stands out significantly due to the high-pressure circumstances under which he batted. After Sri Lanka lost the opening test, the team found itself forced to follow on in the second match. Facing a tough situation, Dinusha displayed immense composure and grit. Over two test matches, he amassed 420 runs at an outstanding batting average of 140. In the Galle test, he registered scores of 100 and 84. He continued his prolific form in the Colombo test by recording scores of 103 in the first innings and an unbeaten 133 in the second innings, creating history by becoming the first player to hit three centuries in his first two tests against India.
High-Scoring Colombo Test Ends in a Draw
Sonal Dinusha was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century in the second innings of the final test. His resilient batting proved pivotal in helping Sri Lanka save the match. India had declared their first innings after scoring 503 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. In response, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 290 runs in their first innings. Enforced to follow on, Sri Lanka mounted a strong recovery in their second innings, scoring 429 runs for 9 wickets before the match ended in a draw.
