Starting the day on 253/3, India stretched their first-innings total to 411, with Chauhan converting his overnight 55 into a magnificent 150 off 244 deliveries. His innings, featuring 20 fours and a six, came after a crucial 155-run partnership with fellow centurion Kushagra Ojha, who had made 111.
The duo’s stand followed another century partnership from Day 1, when Ojha and skipper Yashobardhan Chauhan stitched together 122 runs for the third wicket.
Once Ojha departed, India lost wickets at regular intervals, surrendering six wickets for 134 runs. However, Manal remained composed, farming the strike and adding useful runs with the lower order before eventually becoming the ninth wicket to fall. His effort ensured India secured a commanding first-innings lead.
The bowlers then carried the momentum into Sri Lanka’s innings. Pranav Raghavendra and C. Venkata picked up two wickets apiece, while Rohit Yadav delivered a damaging spell, finishing with figures of 2/4. Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings, with only Dulnith Sigera offering resistance through a brisk 31 before being bowled by Rohit.
By stumps, Sri Lanka had slumped to 122/8, leaving India firmly in the driver’s seat with the visitors still well behind the first-innings total. The hosts will now look to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly and strengthen their position further on Day 3.
