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SL vs IND 1st Test Day 3 Highlights: The third day of the first Test match between Sri Lanka and India belonged entirely to the Indian team. After being bowled out for a massive total of 462 runs, the Indian bowlers staged a brilliant comeback, wrapping up Sri Lanka's first innings for 284 runs. By the close of play, India had established a commanding lead of 178 runs. However, the umpires were forced to call an early end to the day's play due to bad light and weather conditions.
Session 1: Siraj & Suthar Dismantle Sri Lankan Top Order
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India's first over of the day was brief; Sri Lanka needed just four balls to conclude India's innings at 462. However, when the hosts began their first innings, Mohammed Siraj dealt them a severe blow by claiming a wicket in just the second over.
Captain Shubman Gill then handed the ball to young spinner Manav Suthar. Suthar stunned everyone with a spectacular performance, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal on the very first ball of his Test career. The Indian spin trio maintained pressure with consistent line and length, causing Sri Lanka's score to slide from 27/1 to 59/4. Just before lunch, Ravindra Jadeja claimed another wicket, ensuring India ended the first session on top.
Session 2: Dickwella-Dinusha 146-Run Stand Rescues Hosts
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Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback in the second session following the lunch break. The Indian bowlers failed to take a single wicket throughout the afternoon session. Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha shared a massive and crucial 146-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
During this stand, Dickwella was handed a lifeline when KL Rahul dropped a catch while the batsman was on an individual score of 20.
As the ball aged and softened, batting became slightly easier an opportunity fully exploited by Dickwella and Dinusha. Eventually, Prasidh Krishna broke the partnership by dismissing Dickwella (80 runs), while Sonal Dinusha, holding firm at the other end, played a gritty innings to score his maiden Test century.Also Read: Afghanistan Squad Announced for Asian Games 2026: Rashid Khan Rested
Milestone: Ravindra Jadeja Joins Elite 4000 Runs & 350 Wickets Club
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During this match, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja etched his name in the history books. Jadeja has become only the fourth player in the history of Test cricket to achieve the double of 4,000 runs and 350 wickets. Prior to him, only Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori had accomplished this historic feat.
| Player | Test Runs | Test Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Kapil Dev (IND) | 5,248 | 434 |
| Ian Botham (ENG) | 5,200 | 383 |
| Daniel Vettori (NZ) | 4,531 | 362 |
| Ravindra Jadeja (IND) | 4,108 | 350 |
Day 4 Outlook: Suthar's 4-Fer Puts India in Complete Control
For the Indian team, young spinner Manav Suthar claimed the highest haul of 4 wickets in the first innings, while the experienced Ravindra Jadeja took 3 wickets.
The early conclusion of the day's play would have certainly brought relief to the Indian team, sparing them from having to come out to bat at the end of the day amidst fading light.
The Indian team will take the field fresh on the fourth day, holding a lead of 178 runs. India's primary objective for the day will be to post a massive total and completely take the match out of Sri Lanka's grasp.Also Read: Most 50+ Scores Without a Test Century: Niroshan Dickwella Breaks World Record
