The first match of the two-match Test series is being played between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali. On the second day of the match, India declared their first innings at 574 for eight just before tea time. Ravindra Jadeja scored the highest 175 runs for India. In response, Sri Lanka’s team is seen struggling in the first innings. Although openers Karunaratne and Thirimanne shared a good 48-run partnership for the first wicket, Ashwin gave India the first breakthrough by dismissing Thirimanne. Sri Lanka have lost their four wickets for 108 runs at the end of the second day’s play and are in danger of follow-on. Sri Lanka are currently 466 runs behind India’s score and need a long partnership tomorrow. If this does not happen, the threat of follow-on will be hovering over his head. Ashwin took two, Jasprit Bumrah one and Jadeja shook Sri Lanka with one wicket.
After opening partnership of 48 runs, Sri Lanka lost two wickets in a span of 11 runs. Ashwin lbw Lahiru Thirimanne while Jadeja lbw skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. Thirimanne scored 17 and Karunaratne made 28. Bumrah lbw Angelo Mathews on the team’s score of 96. Mathews scored 22 runs. Shortly before the stumps, Ashwin spoiled the condition of the visiting team by hitting Dhananjay DeSalva leg. At the time of stumps, Charit Aslanka was at the crease after scoring a run. At the other end, Pathum Nisanka remained at the crease after scoring 26 runs in 75 balls with the help of four fours.
Earlier in the morning, India led the innings by 357 runs for six wickets. Jadeja and Ashwin got runs with ease while Sri Lanka took a very defensive approach. Ashwin scored his 12th half-century while maintaining his good batting record on sub-continental pitches.
India added 111 runs in 27 overs in the first session with the brilliant effort of these two. In the second session, Shami supported Jadeja well. After the completion of the century partnership between these two, captain Rohit Sharma announced the end of the innings.