Dinusha is fighting alone against India, Sri Lanka need 39 runs to avoid the follow-on

After the Galle Test, Sonal Dinusha has become the batting stalwart of Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test as well. The left-handed batsman, who scored 100 and 84 in the first Test of the series against India, is unbeaten on 85 runs at the end of the third day of the Colombo Test. Sri Lanka has kept alive its hopes of avoiding a follow-on by relying on his fight.

In response to India's first innings of 503 for 9, Sri Lanka's total at the end of the third day was 265 for 8. They need 39 more runs to avoid a follow-on. The hosts are still 238 runs behind India.

Batting at 8 for 2 at the start of the day, Sri Lanka added 257 runs for the loss of six wickets in 80.4 overs. Along with Dinusha, Pasindu Suryabandara made an important contribution with the bat. He returned to the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja for 80 runs.

Sri Lanka's score was 171 for 6 when Suryabandara was dismissed. Then Niroshan Dickwella also returned after adding just 2 runs. At that time, it seemed difficult to avoid Sri Lanka's follow-on.

But Dinusha's determination changed the situation. He made a 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha for the eighth wicket. Then, he added another 35 runs for the ninth wicket with Lahiru Kumara. The third day's play ended early due to rain towards the end.

Dinusha is now unbeaten on 85 runs. If he can complete a century on the fourth day, it will be his second century in his Test career. However, despite not getting a century, his Test career has started very well so far.

The 25-year-old batsman made his Test debut against Bangladesh in June last year. After being dismissed for 11 runs in his only innings in his debut Test, he did not have to fail again. He scored a century and three innings of 80+ runs in the next seven innings. His lowest score during this period was 28.

Dinusha stood up with the bat again during the team's time of danger against India. Now it is his bat that will hold the hope of avoiding Sri Lanka's follow-on.