India strengthened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten century helped set up a declaration at 503 for 9, before the hosts lost two wickets late in the day.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — India took firm control of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Day 2 after Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 powered the visitors to 503 for 9 declared. Sri Lanka’s reply then suffered an immediate setback, with Lahiru Udara and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed as the hosts ended the rain-affected day at 8 for 2.
Key Highlights
- Dhruv Jurel scored an unbeaten 115 from 177 deliveries to anchor India’s lower-order charge.
- Rishabh Pant contributed a brisk 63 off 89 balls despite Sri Lanka repeatedly targeting him with short-pitched bowling.
- India declared at 503 for 9 after Jurel’s late acceleration pushed the total beyond 500.
- Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar each took a wicket as Sri Lanka slipped to 8 for 2.
Jurel century puts India in command
Jurel resumed India’s innings after Saransh Jain was dismissed early by Asitha Fernando, who used a bouncer to force the debutant’s edge to a diving second slip. The wicket brought Pant back to the crease after he had been deemed fit to bat.
Pant immediately countered Sri Lanka’s short-ball plan, pulling one bouncer over fine leg for a 95-metre six. He then attacked Keshara Nuwantha with consecutive boundaries as India moved rapidly through the 400-run mark.
Pant and Jurel both reached their half-centuries within four deliveries, building a 112-run partnership from 152 balls. Pant eventually fell for 63 off 89 immediately after lunch while attempting another aggressive stroke against the Sri Lankan attack.
India cross 500 before declaring
Jurel then shifted into a more dominant role alongside Manav Suthar. The pair added 39 runs from 76 deliveries before Prabath Jayasuriya removed Suthar after a rain-interrupted afternoon session.
Jurel remained patient in the 90s, taking 21 deliveries to move from 99 to three figures. Once he reached his century, he accelerated with two sixes and helped India move beyond 500 before the declaration.
Devdutt Padikkal also made a substantial contribution with 117, while Jurel finished unbeaten on 115. Fernando ended India’s innings with four wickets for 106 runs.
Sri Lanka lose two wickets in fading light
Sri Lanka’s chase began with less than an hour remaining in the scheduled day, but rain briefly interrupted play after only two deliveries. When the players returned at 5:35 p.m. local time, only three overs were possible before bad light brought another stoppage.
Prasidh Krishna produced the first breakthrough by getting one to straighten after pitching. Udara appeared to close the bat face while defending, sending the ball off the leading edge towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, who completed a diving catch.
Suthar then dismissed Jayasuriya lbw. Sri Lanka reviewed the decision, but umpire’s call on the wickets confirmed the dismissal, leaving the hosts at 8 for 2.
Sri Lanka face huge deficit
The two late wickets left Sri Lanka trailing India by 495 runs at the close. Kamil Mishara remained at the crease on debut after watching both his opening partner and the nightwatchman depart.
The conditions also became a talking point, with Sri Lankan batters repeatedly expressing their frustration about the fading light before play was finally stopped. India, however, had already made the most of the available batting conditions and then struck quickly with the ball.
India finished the day with a commanding position after Jurel’s century, Pant’s attacking contribution and the late wickets gave them control of both innings.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
