India drive home advantage in Sri Lanka despite Sonal Dinusha's maiden Test century

Dinusha, batting at number 6 and playing in only his fourth Test, struck exactly 100 but Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 to concede a lead of 178 runs after India had posted a total of 462 in their first innings.

The maiden century from Dinusha helped Sri Lanka recover from a perilous position after the home side slipped to 90-5 in the first session with India spinner Manav Suthar doing most of the spinner.

Dinusha combined with wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, recalled for his first Test in three years, for a partnership of 146 for the sixth-wicket.

The stand was broken when seamer Prasidh Krishna had Dickwella caught behind for 80, leaving Dinusha to guide the tail and reach his first Test hundred.

Manav Suthar eventually finished with figures of 4-76 while fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja reached his 350th Test wicket on his to way to 3-57 before rain washed out the day before India could return for the second innings.

India will to build on their lead on the fourth day and out pressure on Sri Lanka to force a result and go 1-0 ahead in the two-match series.