Gill Falls as India Reach 235-2 Against Sri Lanka

News Desk

Galle: India lost captain Shubman Gill for 16 on the opening day of the Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with the visitors reaching 235-2.

Gill was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya in the 62nd over after mistiming a lofted drive. Coming down the pitch to attack the spinner, Gill failed to get to the pitch of the ball and sliced his shot towards mid-off, where Lahiru Udara completed a safe catch.

Gill’s dismissal ended a 45-over wait for Jayasuriya to take a wicket at Galle.

Devdutt Padikkal, who had earlier reached his century, remained unbeaten on 106 off 146 balls. He was joined by Rishabh Pant after Gill’s departure.

Pant survived a testing spell from Keshara Nuwantha, who extracted increasing turn from the surface. The left-hander was beaten by one delivery that drifted in before turning sharply past his outside edge.

Padikkal and Pant negotiated the Sri Lankan spinners cautiously as India looked to strengthen their position before the close of play.

Play was briefly interrupted by rain, but the shower soon stopped and ground staff began removing the covers. The match was scheduled to resume at 5:20pm local time, with 17 overs remaining in the day.

India had earlier lost their first wicket after building a strong opening partnership, but Padikkal’s century has kept the visitors in a commanding position.