Sensational Sonal Dinusha salvages draw for Sri Lanka in epic Test match

Playing simply for pride, the hosts fought against all odds to salvage an incredible draw against the powerhouse that is India. Sonal Dinusha scored his third consecutive hundred and finished unbeaten on 133. Despite the effort, India still claim the two-Test series 1-0 after their comprehensive win in Galle.

Sri Lanka began the final day with their back firmly against the wall. They resumed on 226/6 with Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha at the crease, just 16 runs ahead after being asked to follow on. India's tweakers licked their lips looking at the day five track, but the pair didn't read the script.

Dinusha and Nuwantha survived 31 overs to lunch, adding 100 runs and getting a standing ovation from their teammates. The Indian spinners, especially Suthar, beat the bat on several occasions but created few chances.

India refocused after lunch, with Suthar and Jadeja being very accurate. The former finally got the breakthrough when he found Nuwantha's outside edge, his patient vigil of 46 off 150 coming to an end. The visitors had to wait another 12 overs for the next wicket, with a rush of blood to the head seeing the end of Prabath Jayasuria.

With the end of the Sri Lankan innings in sight a possible sprint finish with the bat, India crowded the bat after tea. But Dinusha's moment was not to be denied. He chipped the ball through the on side and scrambled for two to bring up a match-saving century with his mother clapping in the stands. A special moment indeed.

At the other end, Dinusha found another willing partner in Lahiru Kumara. The paceman was a picture of stoicism as he faced 90 balls for his 12 runs before being caught sharply at short-leg by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Jadeja.

By now, the India attack had been in the field for some 230 consecutive overs and it was starting to show. Dinusha continued his efforts, launching a couple of sixes as the result became more obvious. Finally, with 17 overs left in the Test and a lead of 216 runs, Sri Lanka declared and forced India to handshakes, feeling like winners. 

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