Dhruv Jurel hits brilliant century putting India in control

India took complete control of the second Test in Colombo after declaring their first innings at a commanding 503 for 9. Dhruv Jurel guided the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 115 off 177 balls. His calm knock, combined with two quick wickets before stumps, left Sri Lanka reeling at 8 for 2 in fading light. They now trail India by 495 runs. Historically, scoring runs at the SSC ground becomes significantly harder as the pitch deteriorates, giving the visiting side a huge advantage early in the game. Before Jurel reached his milestone, Rishabh Pant accelerated the scoring rate with an aggressive 63 runs from 89 deliveries. Returning after an injury the previous day, Pant showed no fear. He confidently hooked a short delivery onto the stadium roof. Together, Pant and Jurel built a crucial 112-run partnership off just 152 balls, extinguishing any local hopes of running through the lower order. Jurel reached his second Test hundred soon after, surviving a nervy quick single on 99.

Bowlers Capitalise On Huge Total

Once India passed the 500-run mark, they called their batsmen back. Sri Lanka faced a difficult short session under cloudy skies. Prasidh Krishna struck quickly, dismissing opener Lahiru Udara. Yashasvi Jaiswal took an outstanding diving catch at gully to secure the wicket. Shortly after, Manav Suthar trapped nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya leg before wicket. Both Sri Lankan batters showed visible frustration regarding the dark conditions as they walked off the field. Play stopped soon after due to bad light, but the damage was already done. Jurel's batting masterclass and the late bowling breakthroughs have put the visitors in a winning position heading into day three.

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Image Courtesy: ANI/BCCI