IND vs SL: Dinusha’s tenacious 133 denies India win as Sri Lanka pull off thrilling draw in Colombo Test

Sonal Dinusha's stubborn yet unbeaten 133 not only frustrated India but also denied them a certain win in the second Test, which finally ended in a draw. However, despite the draw India clinched the two-match Test series 1-0.

Dinusha becomes Sri Lanka's saviour as 2nd Test vs India ends in a draw

Armed with a massive 213-run lead and enforcing the follow-on on day four, India seemed primed for a series-sweeping victory. However, Sonal Dinusha single-handedly disrupted those plans. Building on his first-innings 103—and another century in Galle the previous week—the in-form left-hander anchored Sri Lanka's second-innings defiance with a brilliant, unbeaten 133, eventually pushing the hosts' total lead to 216 runs.

ALSO READ: WTC Points Table 2025-27: Updated standings after India vs Sri Lanka Colombo Test draw

The cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s great escape was laid on the final morning. Resuming at 229/6, Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha (46) frustrated the Indian attack on a wearing fifth-day pitch, combining for a vital 112-run stand for the seventh wicket. Despite tireless efforts from India's spin pair—Manav Suthar (3/121) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/94), who bowled nearly 80 overs between them—the visitors couldn't break Sri Lanka's resolve. The handshake finally came with the hosts standing tall at 429/9.

Dinusha makes Indian bowlers surrender on Day 5

420 minutes of toil in the crease and facing 264 deliveries to remain undefeated on 133 proves Dinusha's tenacity. The 25-year-old left-hander produced his third century and fourth 50-plus score of a remarkable two-Test series—one in which he absorbed a staggering 722 balls across 1,139 minutes at the crease. By hitting hundreds in both innings after Sri Lanka were forced to follow on, Dinusha joined an elite group featuring Vijay Hazare and Andy Flower as only the third batter in Test history to accomplish the feat. His marathon knock carried the hosts to 429/9 with a lead of 216 runs before captains agreed to call a draw.

Sri Lanka’s day five survival was far from guaranteed when they resumed at 229/6 with a lead of just 16 runs. Instead of folding quickly, Dinusha—who reached his milestone off 196 balls—found an ideal partner in Keshara Nuwantha (46 off 150 balls). Together, they put on a crucial 112-run seventh-wicket stand across 246 balls, steering Sri Lanka safely through the morning session without loss. India finally broke through after lunch when Manav Suthar found Nuwantha’s edge, caught by Dhruv Jurel in the slips.

ALSO READ: India, Pakistan other cricket boards express concerns over pitch, tiny hotel rooms at Asian Games: Report

The Indian bowlers continued to find heavy resistance from Sri Lanka's lower order. Prabath Jayasuriya (2 off 28 balls) helped Dinusha add 25 vital runs while taking up 74 deliveries before falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Lahiru Kumara then put on another masterclass in defense, spending 122 minutes at the crease for his 12 off 90 balls while adding 47 runs in 170 balls with Dinusha. Jadeja eventually removed Kumara, but Asitha Fernando (0* off 24 balls) stood firm alongside Dinusha until the handshakes were exchanged.

Battling leg cramps and high pressure in just his fifth Test, Dinusha abandoned his usual flowing drives and pulls in favor of a gritty, defensive display. He controlled spin from the back foot and covered line expertly against the quicks. Sri Lanka’s tailenders matched his patience, resisting India's tactics of leg-side targeting and short-pitch bowling rather than giving their wickets away.

India were hampered by an off-day from lead pacer Mohammed Siraj, alongside passive tactical decisions from captain Shubman Gill during the morning session. While India will take pride in securing their first away Test series victory since July 2023—and Gill’s first overseas series win as captain, their recurring struggle to clean up a opposition tail on a day-five pitch remains a pressing concern.