Pant, Jurel half-centuries take India past 400 in Sri Lanka Test

India extended their dominance over Sri Lanka, reaching 419 for six by lunch on the second day of the second Test in Colombo. The tourists solidified their advantage thanks to an unbroken 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.

At the lunch break, Pant was unbeaten on 63, while Jurel had scored 59. Pant, who had resumed his innings after retiring hurt on day one due to a blow to his forearm, displayed aggressive intent despite facing a barrage of short-pitched bowling from Sri Lanka's pacers. He absorbed several painful impacts but continued to attack, even pulling a Lahiru Kumara delivery for a six that sailed out of the ground.

This half-century marked Pant's 21st in Test cricket. Jurel provided solid support, completing his third Test half-century. The only success for Sri Lanka in the morning session came when Asitha Fernando dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six runs with the new ball.

Earlier, India had built a strong foundation on day one, largely due to a fine 117 from number three batsman Devdutt Padikkal. India had won the first Test of the two-match series convincingly by 165 runs in Galle, setting the stage for a potential series whitewash.

“

Honours were even on the opening day after India finished on 300-5 but Pant and Jurel tilted the balance in the tourists' favour with an unbroken 112-run stand for the seventh wicket.