Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 puts India in control as India vs Sri Lanka XI moves into Day 3
Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 142 as India carried momentum into Day 3 of their India vs Sri Lanka XI Test warm-up following the close of play on Day 2. The match had already seen a substantial first-innings total from Sri Lanka Cricket XI and a mixed response from India.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, ultimately declaring on 363/8 after a productive opening day. Openers Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha compiled a century partnership; Madushka was dismissed for 66 following a mix-up in the middle while Rasantha made 71. Indian pacers struggled to extract much movement early on, but the pitch began to offer more turn and the spinners drew India back into the contest.
India’s reply began poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal nicked Vishwa Fernando to backward point off only the second ball. KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the innings with a 96-run stand for the second wicket; Rahul scored 40, striking five fours and a six, before Keshara Nuwantha breached his defence.
The middle order faced setbacks as Ramesh Mendis dismissed Rishabh Pant for 2 and Dhruv Jurel for 1, briefly opening a window for the Sri Lanka XI. Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar then rebuilt with a useful partnership; Jadeja later retired hurt on 63 after facing 117 deliveries, while Suthar contributed 41 from 90 balls before being dismissed lbw by Asanka Manoj. Kuldeep Yadav also retired hurt after a 15-ball stay, and Saransh Jain made 22 before making way.
India’s spin trio forced the issue earlier in Sri Lanka’s innings, with Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav each taking two wickets. Jadeja removed Pasindu Sooriyabandara and later Ramesh Mendis, Suthar accounted for Rasantha and captain Sonal Dinusha (52), and Kuldeep dismissed Ahan Wickramasinghe and Anjala Bandara during the evening session.
Among the seamers, tall pacer Gurnoor Brar claimed a wicket using his height and pace, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna finished the day without wickets.
Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 gives India momentum as the contest proceeds to Day 3, with both teams set to resume play in the next scheduled session.
