IND vs SL, Day 3 Stumps: Rain keeps India from batting again, Sri Lanka end day 178 runs behind

In a series of interesting updates, a dramatic Day 3 at the Galle International Stadium saw Sri Lanka mount a heroic middle-order fightback before India's spin bowling attack dismantled the hosts for just 284, securing a commanding Day 2, India was bowled out for 462 behind Devdutt Padikkal superb 167, setting up an intense opening session where Indian seamers and spinners made light work of Sri Lanka's top order.

Team India's strong batting showcase

Following the rain wiped out 64 overs across the first two days, the weather finally improved on the Day 3. India's first innings did not last much longer, as Prasidh Krishna was dismissed soon after the play resumed, bringing the visitors' innings to an end at 462. Devdutt Padikkal was India's best batter with a brilliant knock of 167, While Prabath Jayasuriya carried Sri Lanka's bowling attack with four wickets. In reply, the hosts endured a mini batting collapse from the outset as India's bowlers quickly began making inroads into their lineup.

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Sri Lanka endures collapse

Sri Lanka endured a quick setback after beginning their first innings, with Mohammed Siraj removing opener Nishan Madushka on a duck. Manav Suthar then took control of the innings, troubling the hosts with his spin trap and triggering a major top-order collapse. Sri Lanka soon found themselves reeling at 90/5 before Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickewella joined forces to steady the innings.

Sonal and Dickwella's resilience

Sri Lanka made a massive comeback after being reduced to 90/5, with Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha adding 146 runs for the sixth wicket. Dickwella played a strong knock of 80 runs off 115 balls, hitting seven boundaries, before getting out. Dinusha continued the battle and went on to record his first Test century, scoring 100 from 168 balls with fours and two sixes.

The breakthrough finally came when Prasidh Krishna finished Dickwella's gritty knock of 80 runs, opening the gates for India to remove the entire tail. Suthar finished the innings with an impressive figures of 4/76, while Jadeja clinched 3 wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to 284 in 79.4 overs. Holding a 178-run lead, India enters Day 4 firmly in control of the first Test.