COLOMBO, Sunday: Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run of form with a commanding century as India finished the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on 300 for five at stumps in Colombo on Sunday.
The left-handed opener played a mature and composed innings of 117, anchoring India’s batting effort after the visitors were asked to build their innings on a challenging first day.
Padikkal’s century was the highlight of an otherwise hard-fought day between bat and ball. He showed patience early in his innings before gradually increasing the tempo as he settled at the crease. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure throughout his stay.
His dismissal eventually brought an end to a valuable innings, but by then Padikkal had provided India with the foundation needed to post a strong first-innings total.
India reached 300 for five by the close, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the second day. The visitors will now look to build on their solid platform and push towards a commanding first-innings score.
For Sri Lanka, the five wickets provided encouragement, but the hosts will know that the Indian batting line-up remains capable of turning the advantage further in the visitors’ favour. The bowlers will be tasked with making early inroads on Monday and preventing India from establishing a potentially decisive total.
Padikkal’s century also adds to his growing reputation as one of India’s promising young batting talents. His recent consistency has been particularly encouraging, and his latest hundred demonstrated the temperament required to perform in the longer format.
With India already past the 300-run mark and wickets still in hand, the second day promises to be crucial. Sri Lanka will be desperate to strike early, while India will aim to extend their advantage and put themselves in a commanding position in the Test.
The first day therefore belonged largely to Padikkal and India, with the 117-run contribution providing the backbone of a strong opening-day score.
Sri Lanka now face the difficult task of breaking through India’s remaining batting resistance when play resumes, while India will look to convert their promising start into a substantial first-innings advantage.
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