Our Bureau
Colombo
Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought draw against India in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Thursday, denying the visitors a series sweep as Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 anchored a remarkable rearguard effort. India, however, won the two-match series 1-0 after their 165-run victory in the opening Test at Galle.
Sri Lanka, forced to follow on after being bowled out in their first innings, resumed the final day at 229 for six with only a 16-run lead. India appeared firmly placed to wrap up the match, but Dinusha and the lower order resisted for the entire day to frustrate the visitors.
The 25-year-old left-hander remained unbeaten on 133 from 264 deliveries, batting for 420 minutes. He reached his century from 196 balls and became the third batter in Test history to score twin hundreds in a match after his side had been asked to follow on, joining India’s Vijay Hazare and Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower.
Dinusha received valuable support from Keshara Nuwantha, who made 46, as the pair added 112 runs for the seventh wicket. Later, Lahiru Kumara contributed 12 during a stubborn 47-run partnership with Dinusha, consuming 170 balls and further reducing India’s chances of victory.
Sri Lanka eventually declared at 429 for nine after 154 overs, setting India a target but leaving too little time for a result. With the final wicket pair surviving, both teams shook hands to confirm the draw.