Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test century and a 146-run stand with Niroshan Dickwella delayed India, but Sri Lanka was bowled out for 284 on Day 3 in Galle.
India secured a commanding 178-run first-innings lead on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, bowling out the hosts for 284.
Resuming overnight under bright skies at 460 for nine, India added just two runs in four deliveries to finish their first innings at 462 when Prasidh Krishna edged Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka struggled early in their response as opener Nishan Fernando went for a duck, caught by Devdutt Padikkal off Mohammed Siraj. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar struck with his first ball to dismiss Dinesh Chandimal, caught behind by Rishabh Pant, before also removing Lahiru Udara. Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Kamindu Mendis following a diving left-handed catch by Indian skipper Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja dismissed host captain Dhananjaya de Silva to reduce Sri Lanka to 99 for five by lunch.
Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella led a middle-session fightback, sharing a 146-run partnership for the sixth wicket and adding 116 runs between lunch and tea. Dickwella made 80 off 115 balls before edging Prasidh Krishna to Pant in the final session.
Dinusha pressed on to complete his maiden Test century, scoring 100 off 168 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Jadeja as Sri Lanka's tail wilted before dark clouds rolled in to end the day.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.