NEW DELHI: India had looked set to complete a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka, but the hosts produced a stubborn fightback to force a draw in the second Test in Colombo.Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings after India declared on 503/9. India captain Shubman Gill then enforced the follow-on, hoping his bowlers could finish the job and seal another big win.But Sonal Dinusha had other plans.The Sri Lankan batter scored his third century of the two-match series and remained unbeaten on 133 as Sri Lanka reached 429/9 before the players shook hands for a draw.
‘Draw not hurting like a defeat’
Despite missing out on a 2-0 series win, Gill said the result was not as painful as a defeat. He also praised Sri Lanka for their effort while admitting India were disappointed after aiming for another victory.“Draw not hurting like a defeat… situation wise, draw was credit to them, we hoped for a win so disappointing”Gill also said the Test provided valuable lessons for him as captain.“Things always don’t go as per plan, so lot of learnings for me as well as a captain. I give 10/10 for the effort and intent of everyone.”India eventually finished the series with a 1-0 win after their 165-run victory in the first Test in Galle.
Gill defends follow-on decision
Gill also explained why he chose to enforce the follow-on after India gained a big lead. With rain a possibility, he wanted to give India enough time to push for victory.India had taken a 213-run first-innings lead and had Sri Lanka under pressure after enforcing the follow-on. However, Dinusha once again stood between India and victory.Resuming at 229/6, Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha put together a crucial 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Nuwantha made 46, while Dinusha carried his bat through the innings.India tried different approaches on a fifth-day pitch, but the conditions became increasingly difficult for the bowlers.Manav Suthar finished with 3/121 from 41 overs, while Ravindra Jadeja took 3/94 in 38.3 overs.“I don’t think follow-on backfired, we fielded for over 250 overs. We were anticipating (rain), wanted to take that chance. Had we not taken and had it rained, you would have asked why no follow on.”
‘Sri Lanka played really well’
Gill admitted that Sri Lanka deserved credit for their resistance, especially over the final three days.“Sri Lanka played really well. Days 3,4 and 5 – lbw and bowled was out of equation. We attacked initially but pitch became slower today. There was slow turn. Pitch became easier, we tried our best.”The India captain said his team had created opportunities on the fourth day and felt the result could have been different had those chances been converted.“On Day 4 we created chances, had wickets come result could’ve been different: Shubman Gill”
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