India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: Dinusha, Nuwantha frustrate India with dogged partnership on Day 5
Sri Lankan batters Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha frustrated the Indian bowling attack with a resilient partnership on the final day of the second Test. Their dogged performance helped Sri Lanka extend their lead and keep the match alive despite early pressure.
Why it matters
The match highlights the ongoing struggle of the Indian bowling lineup to dismiss lower-order batters, a recurring issue in their recent Test series.
Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha stonewalled a flat-looking Indian bowling attack for an entire session to take Sri Lanka to 329 for six at lunch, miraculously keeping the hosts afloat on the fifth day of the second and final Test here on Thursday.
Dinusha and Nuwantha have so far added 111 runs for the seventh wicket stand but more importantly batted out 39.4 overs so far in the second innings, thwarting the Indian advances.
Dinusha (55, 184m, 106b) and Nuwantha (46, 172m, 149b) were batting at the break.
Sri Lanka started the day from 229 for six, ahead by a mere 16 runs and ever closer to a defeat.
But the gumption of Dinusha, who made a hundred in the first innings, and Nuwantha ensured that the hosts extended their lead to 116 runs.
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