Dhawan hits a century before Sri Lankans strike back

PALLEKELE: India’s Shikhar Dhawan smashed his sixth hundred and added 188 in an opening partnership with KL Rahul before Sri Lanka’s spinners fought back to halt the touring side’s progress in the third and final Test yesterday.

India reached the close of play on 329-6, after losing no wickets in the first session, with Wriddhiman Saha unbeaten on 13 and Hardik Pandya not out on one at stumps.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, India captain Virat Kohli could not have asked for a better start as his side began their bid to complete a series whitewash over the hosts.

On a surface ideal for batting, India’s openers made Sri Lanka pay for their profligacy with Dhawan given a reprieve on one, his edge flying through the slip cordon off Vishwa Fernando.

The left-handed batsman went on to score 119 in his 123-ball knock.

Malinda Pushpakumara provided Sri Lanka a breakthrough in his first over when he dismissed Rahul for 85. A century once again eluded Rahul, who was dropped twice during his innings, as he was caught at mid-on trying to hit a lofted shot. It was his seventh consecutive score of 50 or more.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan then got Cheteshwar Pujara (eight) to edge one to slip as Sri Lanka continued to fight back.

The 26-year-old, replacing the injured Rangana Herath, also removed the dangerous Kohli with the right-handed batsman out for 42 after getting an edge to slip.

Ravichandran Ashwin (31) was the only wicket to fall to the faster bowlers when he edged Fernando to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella after the hosts had taken the second new ball.

– Reuters