India concluded day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka on a high as they bundled out the hosts emphatically, securing a staggering lead at Galle.

Early on, India couldn’t add to their tally of the second day as they were bundled out for 462.

Staring at a massive total on the board, Sri Lanka were jolted to a rude awakening. Mohammed Siraj struck on the second ball of the Sri Lankan innings as Nishan Madushka (0) holed out to Devdutt Padikkal at first slip. Lahiru Udara (27) did put up a show of defiance.

However, Sri Lanka’s resistance was transient as Manav Suthar sent Dinesh Chandimal (4) packing. Suthar struck again as Udara played it straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal at backward point, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 53/3. India’s spin dominance doubled down on the Sri Lanka jugular as Kuldeep Yadav got hold of Kamindu Mendis (14) in short succession to leave the hosts reeling at 59/4.

Sri Lanka did try and fight back through Dhananjaya de Silva (21) but once again India managed to push back through Ravindra Jadeja. The hosts lost half of their side for 90 and the total on the board looked even spookier. However, Sri Lanka did manage to find some rhythm, courtesy of Sonal Dinusha (100) and Niroshan Dickwella (80).

The two added 146 runs for the sixth wicket, allaying the fears of an imminent collapse. Prasidh Krishna finally rattled the partnership, claiming the crucial scalp of Dickwella. The fall of Dickwella opened up the floodgates and India soon stormed through it. Dinusha was the penultimate wicket to fall as Jadeja caught his legs stranded in front of his timbre.

India bundled out Sri Lanka for 284, registering a monumental lead of 178 runs. Manav Suthar led the Indian charge with figures of 4/76 while Ravindra Jadeja complemented him perfectly with figures of 3/57. With such a staggering lead, India will be eyeing to close the Test at the earliest.

Brief scores:

India – 462 (Devdutt Padikkal – 167, KL Rahul – 82, Prabath Jayasuriya – 4/109)

Sri Lanka – 284 (Sonal Dinusha – 100, Niroshan Dickwella – 80, Manav Suthar – 4/76)

India lead by 178 runs