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.
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.
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.
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