Sri Lanka's Lower Order Frustrates India on Day 5; Second Test Continues
Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha's century stand has pushed Sri Lanka's lead past 100 runs in the ongoing second Test against India.
The story
On Day 5 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Sri Lanka's lower order mounted a determined resistance against India's bowling attack. Resuming their second innings at 229/6 with a slender 16-run lead, Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha batted through the morning session without losing a wicket.
The pair added a crucial 112-run seventh-wicket partnership, extending Sri Lanka's lead to 116 runs by lunch. Dinusha reached his half-century, his fourth 50-plus score of the series, while Nuwantha was nearing his maiden Test fifty on 46.
Shortly after lunch, Manav Suthar provided India with a breakthrough, dismissing Keshara Nuwantha (46) with a thick edge to second slip, ending the stubborn stand. Sri Lanka were 330/7 at that point, with the match still in progress.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka vs India | Test | Match in progress, result not yet available | Sonal Dinusha (55* at lunch), Keshara Nuwantha (46) |
Series in play
India tour of Sri Lanka 2026. 2nd Test, Day 5 in progress; India leads the series 1-0
Pakistan tour of England 2026. 2nd Test, Day 1 begins today
Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026. 1st Match begins tomorrow
Tables that matter
ICC World Test Championship (2025-27)
Position: 1. Australia (80.00% PCT), 2. South Africa (75.00% PCT), 3. New Zealand (72.22% PCT), 5. India (53.33% PCT)
Note: Australia leads the standings after their recent series win against Bangladesh. India is in fifth place.
ICC Men's Test Team Rankings
Position: Australia (No. 1), India (No. 3)
Note: Australia remains the top-ranked Test team. India climbed to the third spot in May 2026.
ICC Men's Test Bowler Rankings
Position: Mitchell Starc (No. 1)
Note: Australia's Mitchell Starc recently overtook India's Jasprit Bumrah to claim the top spot.
What we'll be watching
- England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1 at Lord's (August 27)
- England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 2 at Lord's (August 28)
- Namibia vs South Africa, 1st Match, Namibia T20I Tri-Series at Namibia Cricket Ground (August 28)
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