Devdutt Padikkal continued his outstanding form against Sri Lanka with another century as India reached 300 for 5 at stumps on the opening day of the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, putting themselves in a strong position by the close of play.

Padikkal top-scored with a composed 117 off 193 balls, including 12 fours, following his outstanding 167 in the first Test in Galle. 

Captain Shubman Gill also contributed a patient 50, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made 45. Ravindra Jadeja added 43 before becoming Asitha Fernando's third wicket of the innings.

At stumps, Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on 7, while debutant Saransh Jain was not out on 4. India finished the day at 300/5 after 84.3 overs.

Asitha Fernando Leads Sri Lanka's Bowling Attack

Fast bowler Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 3 for 46.
Lahiru Kumara claimed 1 for 38, while Keshara Nuwantha took 1 for 93.

Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to contain Padikkal and Gill, who put together a 120-run partnership for the third wicket. Padikkal later added another valuable partnership with Jadeja as India steadily built a commanding position. 

India Lead Series After Galle Victory

India entered the second Test with a 1-0 series lead after securing a convincing 165-run victory in the opening Test at Galle.
 

India posted 462 in their first innings before Sri Lanka were dismissed for 284. India then made 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a target of 372.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 206, with India's debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar producing a match-winning performance of 6 for 55 in the second innings and a 10-wicket match haul.

Sri Lanka are now attempting to level the two-match series in Colombo, while India need only a draw to secure the series. 

The hosts are also dealing with significant batting absences, with Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable for the second Test.