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, which featured 20 fours and a six, came after a crucial 155-run partnership with fellow centurion Kushagra Ojha, who made 111.
The duo’s stand followed another century partnership from Day 1, when Ojha and skipper Yashobardhan Chauhan stitched 122 runs for the third wicket.
When Ojha departed, India lost wickets at regular intervals, surrendering six wickets for 134 runs. However, Manal remained confident, farmed the strike and added useful runs in the lower order before the ninth wicket fell. His effort ensured that India took a commanding first innings lead.
The bowlers immediately carried the momentum in Sri Lanka’s innings. Pranav Raghavendra and C. Venkata picked up two wickets each, while Rohit Yadav bowled a devastating spell, finishing with figures of 2/4. Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings, with only Dulnith Sigera providing resistance with a strong 31 before being bowled by Rohit.
By stumps, Sri Lanka slipped to 122/8, leaving India firmly in the driver’s seat with the visitors trailing in the first-innings total. The hosts will now look to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly and further strengthen their position on Day 3.