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India<\/strong> remained firmly in control of the first Test against Sri Lanka<\/strong> after reaching 460\/9 at the end of a rain-affected second day at the Galle International Stadium. The visitors had started the day at 288\/2, but persistent monsoon rain washed out the entire morning session and reduced the available playing time to just 43 overs.<\/p>\n Once play finally resumed in the afternoon, India continued to build on their strong overnight position. Devdutt Padikkal<\/strong> was the standout performer, while Sri Lanka\u2019s spinners managed to fight back later in the day and prevent the visitors from completely running away with the game.<\/p>\n Resuming his innings on 131, Padikkal showed no signs of slowing down despite the lengthy interruption. The left-hander batted with authority and composure, regularly finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries as he moved deeper into his innings.<\/p>\n Padikkal eventually brought up a magnificent 167 off 230 deliveries before Prabath Jayasuriya<\/strong> ended his marathon stay at the crease. His innings provided India with a crucial foundation and ensured the visitors maintained control despite losing wickets at regular intervals.<\/p>\n Rishabh Pant<\/strong>, who resumed on 27, could add only 12 more runs before falling for 39. The wicketkeeper-batter attempted to attack debutant Keshara Nuwantha<\/strong><\/a> but was dismissed, giving the young spinner his first major breakthrough of the innings. KL Rahul<\/strong>, who had retired hurt with cramps on the opening day, returned to the crease and looked set to complete a well-deserved century.<\/p>\n However, his innings ended agonisingly short of the milestone as he was dismissed for 82. The wickets triggered a brief middle-order wobble, allowing Sri Lanka\u2019s spinners to build pressure. Nuwantha emerged as the pick of the bowlers, while Jayasuriya also played a major role in restricting India\u2019s scoring rate.<\/p>\n Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar makes big statement on Devdutt Padikkal after maiden Test century<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the collapse, Dhruv Jurel<\/strong><\/a> provided India with important lower-order resistance. The wicketkeeper-batter played patiently against the Sri Lankan spinners and ensured that the visitors continued to add valuable runs. Jurel eventually reached a gritty half-century, scoring 51 to frustrate Sri Lanka\u2019s bowling attack. His contribution proved particularly important after India lost several established batters in quick succession.<\/p>\n Nuwantha finished the day with figures of 3\/175, while Prabath claimed four wickets for 109 runs. However, despite their late fightback, Sri Lanka could not prevent India from reaching 460\/9 by stumps. With India just one wicket away from completing their first innings, the visitors remain firmly in the driver\u2019s seat heading into Day 3.<\/p>\n Day 2, Stumps <\/p>\n India: 460\/9 in 116 overs, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel played vital knocks \u270c\ufe0f#SLvIND<\/a> #TeamIndia<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QJ9dMiicac<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDevdutt Padikkal continues magnificent innings<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sri Lanka fight back as India lose key wickets<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Dhruv Jurel\u2019s gritty fifty keeps India in control<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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