Young Sri Lankan batsman Sonal Dinush demonstrated outstanding play against India. The second innings of the Test in Colombo became a turning point for 25-year-old Dinush, as he scored one hundred runs, setting several significant records.
Dinush played an innings of 103 runs. Thanks to his performance, Sri Lanka managed to score 290 runs, although the team could not avoid a follow-on, as 304 runs were required. The Indian team declared the first innings, scoring 503/9.
During the second Test match held in Colombo, Dinush once again showed his mastery against the Indian bowlers. On the fourth day, Wednesday (August 26), he completed his century, playing 147 balls.
This is Dinush's second century in this series. Previously, in the first Test played in Galle, he scored 100 runs in one innings and 84 in another. Now, after reaching a century in Colombo, his total score in this series stands at 100, 84, and 103.
He completed his century by hitting four off Prasidh Krishna. This shot was executed as a magnificent pull shot on a short ball, flying past the off-stump, and it easily cleared the infield to reach the boundary. After completing his century, Dinush kissed his bat, removed his helmet, and accepted greetings from the spectators.
It is worth noting that this innings was also almost flawless. Although Dewadath Padikkal scored more runs in both teams, Dinush's control over his game allowed him to be among the most influential batsmen of this series.
Sonal Dinush now joins the exclusive list of Sri Lankan batsmen who have scored a century in a Test series against India. This list also includes legends such as Santh Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene. The 25-year-old Sonal was dismissed by the Sri Lankan off-spinner Saransh Jain and was out to Kel Rahul.
Dinush also achieved a major feat by scoring two centuries in the first two Test matches against India. He becomes the eighth player in the world to achieve this. Before him were Everton Weekes, Garfield Sobers, Zaheer Abbas, Dilip Mendis, Robin Smith, Harry Carstoun, and Jayce Ryder. Now, the 25-year-old Sri Lankan batsman Sonal Dinush is also on this list.
Having scored 100 and 84 runs in Galle, and then another century in Colombo, he has clearly shown that he is the biggest problem for the Indian bowlers in this series.
List of players who have scored two centuries in the first two matches against India:
- 2 - Everton Weekes (West Indies, 1948)
- 2 - Garfield Sobers (West Indies, 1958)
- 2 - Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan, 1978)
- 2 - Dilip Mendis (Sri Lanka, 1982)
- 2 - Robin Smith (England, 1990)
- 2 - Harry Carstoun (South Africa, 1996)
- 2 - Jayce Ryder (New Zealand, 2009)
- 2 - Sonal Dinush (Sri Lanka, 2026)