Men’s Cricket: India declare first innings at 503/9 against Sri Lanka

By  News On Air   Aug 25, 2026

In Men’s Cricket, Centuries by Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal powered India to a hefty 503 for nine declared in their first innings against hosts Sri Lanka on a rain-disrupted second day of the second and final Test in Colombo. In reply, Sri Lanka were reduced to 8 for two at Stumps after pacer Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar gave marching orders to Lahiru Udara and Prabath Jayasuriya.

For the visitors, Dhruv Jurel produced a flawless display of risk-free batting to score unbeaten 115. Devdutt Padikkal had provided the foundation with a commanding 117 yesterday. With the series already tilted 1-0 in India’s favour, the visitors have strengthened their position with a commanding total. 

Heavy rain brought an early end to the second session on day two’s play. High winds and darkening skies forced the umpires to halt play, leading to an early tea break. Earlier, India’s star batter Rishabh Pant shattered former skipper MS Dhoni’s record for most Test runs scored by an Indian wicketkeeper away from home. Pant scored a stroke-filled 63 to go past Dhoni. Pant has now scored 2534 runs as wicketkeeper away from home in Test cricket surpassing Dhoni’s 2,496 runs. The list is led by former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made 2696 runs away from home in 52 Tests. Australia legend Adam Gilchrist is second with 2634 runs in 41 Tests away from home or at neutral venues.