New Delhi, 

India strengthened their position in the first Test against Sri Lanka as debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja combined for seven wickets to dismiss the hosts for 284 on Day 3 at Galle. Having scored 462 in their opening innings, India secured a commanding 178-run first-innings lead. Sri Lanka, however, showed considerable resistance after being reduced to 99/5, preventing India from immediately pushing for the follow-on.

India’s bowlers made an explosive start. Mohammed Siraj removed Nishan Madushka with only the second delivery of the innings, while Suthar struck with his very first Test ball by dismissing Dinesh Chandimal. He later removed Lahiru Udara, while Kuldeep Yadav accounted for Kamindu Mendis with a brilliant catch from Shubman Gill. Jadeja added to Sri Lanka’s problems by removing captain Dhananjaya de Silva before lunch, leaving the hosts five wickets down for 99.

Sri Lanka then fought back through Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha, who produced a 146-run sixth-wicket partnership. Dickwella scored 80 and registered his 23rd Test half-century, while Dinusha remained composed before accelerating and eventually reaching his maiden Test hundred from 167 balls. India finally broke the stand when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Dickwella soon after tea. Jadeja then claimed his 350th Test wicket by removing Keshara Nuwantha, becoming only the fourth player in Test history to combine more than 4,000 runs with at least 350 wickets, alongside Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Daniel Vettori.

Dinusha’s determined innings ended on 100 when Jadeja trapped him lbw, while Suthar completed his four-wicket haul by having Lahiru Kumara stumped. Suthar finished with 4/76 and Jadeja with 3/57, with Siraj, Kuldeep and Krishna taking one wicket each. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 in 79.4 overs, giving India a 178-run lead. With rain cutting short the day, India will resume on Day 4 with a strong opportunity to build an imposing second-innings total and put further pressure on the hosts.