Colombo, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel struck unbeaten half-centuries to revive India’s innings and strengthen their position against Sri Lanka on the second day of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Monday.
India reached 419/6 at lunch after resuming the day at 300/5, with Pant unbeaten on 63 off 88 balls and Jurel 59 not out off 107. The pair added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket, frustrating the Sri Lankan attack and taking India past the 400-run mark.
Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough when Asitha Fernando dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six with the second new ball. Jain, who had begun the day alongside Jurel, edged a short delivery to the gully.
Pant then resumed his innings after retiring hurt on three on the opening day following a blow to his forearm. The wicketkeeper-batter was repeatedly tested with short-pitched deliveries but responded with characteristic aggression.
He pulled Lahiru Kumara for a huge six, with the ball reportedly travelling into the adjoining tennis courts and prompting the umpires to call for a replacement. Pant also took several blows while facing the Sri Lankan pacers but continued his attacking approach.
Jurel provided solid support, combining drives and pulls effectively against both pace and spin. Pant brought up his 21st Test half-century with a pull, while Jurel completed his third Test fifty soon afterwards.
Sri Lanka turned increasingly to spin before lunch but could not break the partnership, leaving India firmly in control of the morning session.
Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 had earlier anchored India’s first day, helping the visitors finish Monday’s opening day at 300/5. India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs.
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