Sri Lankan middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha continued his exceptional form against India on Day 3 of the second Test in Colombo, scripting a landmark achievement in Test cricket. Showing great composure against the Indian bowling attack, Dinusha notched up his third consecutive half-century in as many innings. By the close of play on Day 3, he stood unbeaten on 85 off 137 deliveries, steering Sri Lanka to 265/8 in their first innings. Despite his valiant effort, the hosts still trail India's formidable first-innings total of 503/8 by 238 runs.
This ongoing two-match Test series has turned into a breakthrough campaign for Dinusha. In the opening Test at Galle, the left-hander produced a sublime maiden century, scoring 100 in the first innings followed by a gritty 84 in the second. Although Sri Lanka eventually succumbed to a 165-run defeat in that match, Dinusha's remarkable consistency earned widespread praise. His unbeaten 85 in Colombo has now further solidified his reputation as a dependable performer under pressure.
Equalling a Rare 48-Year-Old Feat
Upon reaching the 85-run mark in Colombo, Dinusha matched an iconic milestone in international cricket. He became the first batter in 48 years to score 80 or more runs in each of his first three Test innings against India. In the history of Test cricket, only two legendary batsmen had previously achieved this distinction against an Indian attack.
The elite group was inaugurated in 1948 by Everton Weekes, who registered scores of 128, 194, and 162 in his initial three Test outings against India. Three decades later, in 1978, Pakistan batting maestro Zaheer Abbas joined the list with scores of 176, 96, and 235 not out. Now in 2026, Dinusha has etched his name alongside these legends with his tally of 100, 84, and 85 not out.
Joining Duleep Mendis in Sri Lankan Cricket Lore
Dinusha also became only the second Sri Lankan cricketer to register fifties in his first three Test innings against India. The legendary Duleep Mendis was the first Sri Lankan to accomplish this landmark back in 1982. Dinusha has now replicated that 44-year-old national record.
What makes Dinusha's achievement even more extraordinary is his relative lack of Test experience. Prior to this series, he had featured in just three Test matches for Sri Lanka. He had offered a glimpse of his potential last year during the Test series against the West Indies, where he played a key knock of 93 in the first innings of the second Test. Dinusha will head into Day 4 in Colombo needing just 15 more runs to complete his second Test century.
