India break Sri Lanka's sixth-wicket resistance to secure 178-run lead in first innings

Sri Lanka refused to surrender meekly, with their sixth-wicket pair putting up stubborn resistance against India. However, their fight came too late as India bowled them out for 284 to secure a 178-run first-innings lead on the third day of the first Test at Galle on Monday.

Sri Lanka's innings had looked in danger of collapsing after they lost five wickets for 90 runs. But Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella joined hands to frustrate the Indian bowlers with a 146-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

The pair tested India's patience and gave Sri Lanka hope of significantly reducing the deficit. But their resistance finally ended when Prasidh Krishna struck in the 61st over. A slightly fuller delivery found the outside edge of Dickwella's bat. Rishabh Pant made no mistake behind the stumps.

Dickwella departed for 80 in what was a big relief for the Indian camp.

Dinusha continued to shepherd the tailenders and reached his century, but his resistance was finally ended by Ravindra Jadeja, who trapped him leg before wicket. Dinusha was dismissed for a well-made 100, ending a crucial innings that had kept Sri Lanka's hopes alive.

India then needed just one more wicket to wrap up the innings and claimed it soon after, securing a 178-run lead. Rain had delayed the final session of the day's play.

Manav Sathar was India's most successful bowler with four wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed three. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket each.