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Cricket: Padikkal smashes ton at No 3, India eye big total
On Saturday, India reached 288/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Devdutt Padikkal anchored the innings with an unbeaten 131, steering the team through early fluctuations.
Padikkal, replacing injured Sai Sudharsan, secured his maiden international century in 134 balls. The 26-year-old joined Sourav Ganguly as only the second Indian left-hander in the 21st century to score a Test hundred.
KL Rahul contributed a patient 77 off 162 balls before retiring hurt due to severe cramps. He and Padikkal added 150 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 32 via run-out.
Skipper Shubman Gill made 16 before falling to spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Rishabh Pant subsequently joined Padikkal, adding an unbroken 52 runs to consolidate the position by close of play.
Despite rain interruptions throughout the day, the visitors maintained a commanding position on a largely smooth deck. The Indian batters' skill level effectively blunted Sri Lanka's bowling attack, positioning them strongly for Day 2.