GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden test hundred as India dominated Day 1 of the first test against Sri Lanka, reaching 288-2 at stumps on Saturday.

Padikkal reached 131 not out off 178 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six in only his third test as he dominated the Sri Lankan bowling on a rain-affected day.

He held anchor for India’s first innings, despite two rain disruptions in the second and third sessions. Opener Lokesh Rahul scored 77 off 162 balls, before he was retired hurt.

At stumps, Rishabh Pant (27 not out) was the other unbeaten batter.

This was after India had won the toss and opted to bat, with both sides fielding spin-heavy attacks in Galle’s 50th test.

India had reached 101-1 at lunch, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul adding 47 for the first wicket. Jaiswal scored 32 off 37 balls, with five fours, before he was run-out because of a mix-up with his partner.

The second session was delayed for nearly two hours due to an intense rain shower during the lunch break. Playing time was extended until 6 p.m. local time with further extension depending on light.

In the second session, Padikkal and Rahul dominated the bowling and didn’t offer any chances. They put on 150 runs off 252 balls for the second wicket as India went to tea at 197-1.

Padikkal scored 50 off 81 balls, with Rahul reaching 50 off 127 balls. Rahul was unable to continue batting in the final session owing to cramps in humid conditions.

Play was further delayed in the final session due to another shower and a wet outfield.

In the final session, Sri Lanka finally managed to get a wicket. Skipper Shubman Gill was out caught off Prabath Jayasuriya, after scoring 16 runs.

Padikkal continued on to his maiden hundred in India’s 600th test, reaching the milestone off 134 balls.

He had Pant for company in the closing stages who attacked the spinners with three fours and a six before bad light cut short the day’s play.

Both teams are eyeing crucial points across the two-test series for staying in contention for the 2027 World Test Championship final. India is currently in fifth place, while hosts Sri Lanka are sixth.

___

See AP’s full cricket coverage here