Devdutt Padikkal continued his strong form as India reached 187/3 at tea against Sri Lanka. Padikkal was unbeaten on 63, while Shubman Gill scored 50 before being caught behind.
Padikkal survived two early chances after Sri Lanka dropped him on his first ball and again on one. He then settled down and showed good control against the Sri Lankan attack.
The India No. 3 built his innings with patience. His improved technique helped him handle the bowling and keep the pressure on Sri Lanka.
At the other end, Gill made batting look easy for much of his innings. He reached 50 from 108 balls before edging an Asitha Fernando delivery outside off to the wicketkeeper.
Gill and Padikkal added 120 runs for the third wicket. Their partnership forced Sri Lanka to change their approach and adopt a more defensive plan.
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Gill’s dismissal just before lunch gave Sri Lanka a chance to fight back. Rishabh Pant then survived a strong leg-before appeal from Fernando with his first ball, as the angle worked in the batter’s favour.
India went to tea at 187/3. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 63 from 117 balls, while Fernando had taken 2/34.
India will look to build on its position after tea, while Sri Lanka will aim to take more wickets and regain control of the innings.
Tea score: India 187/3 — Devdutt Padikkal 63, Shubman Gill 50; Asitha Fernando 2/34.
