Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback to draw the second Test against India, avoiding a series whitewash. Though India claimed the series 1-0, the hosts left a significant mark with a resilient display at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
Entering the final day with a slim 16-run lead and four wickets in hand, the hosts needed a determined effort to save the game. Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha delivered, holding off India's attack throughout the morning session.
The 25-year-old Dinusha recorded an unbeaten 133, completing a century in both innings and his third in four consecutive innings. He had posted his maiden Test century in the first innings to anchor Sri Lanka's total of 290 and has now scored 50 or more in four straight innings.
Dinusha and Nuwantha forged a defiant 112-run stand, frustrating India's bowlers. Nuwantha, who made 46, also survived two successful reviews, including a dramatic reversal of an lbw decision on the final ball before lunch.
After the break, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar finally broke the deadlock when the ball spun, brushed Nuwantha's shoulder, and was caught by Dhruv Jurel at slip. Jurel claimed a second catch to dismiss Prabath Jayasuriya for 2, but Dinusha held firm with the tail.
Lahiru Kumara offered valuable lower-order support, grinding out 12 runs from 90 balls. On a pitch offering little to the fast bowlers, Dinusha combined solid defense with aggressive stroke play, keeping India at bay.
India captain Shubman Gill rotated his bowlers and adjusted field placements, but Dinusha's discipline remained unshaken. The match concluded with Sri Lanka on 429-9 as the teams shook hands, securing a memorable draw for the hosts.
