India conclude rain-marred second day in driver’s seat as Dhruv Jurel scores half-century
After rain took away an entire session of Day 2 and quite a significant half of the second session as well, India needed to change their ploy to fast track their approach.
On Day 2 where only 43 overs were played, India racked up 172 runs but lost seven wickets as conditions took a drastic turn.
India started the day at 288/2 and Devdutt Padikkal got into rhythm right from the word ‘go’. Rishabh Pant was the first wicket to fall on Day 2, walking back to the pavilion for 39. Rahul stepped out in the middle, have recovered from the injuries that bogged him on Day 1.
Unfortunately, for India, Rahul couldn’t add much to his tally of 77 on the first day as he departed for 82, holing out to Nishan Madushka off Keshara Nuwantha. After losing two quick wickets, India fought back through an incoming Dhruv Jurel. Jurel paired alongside Padikkal and the two added 38 runs for the fifth wicket.
Padikkal eventually fell for 167 to Prabath Jayasuriya and India looked in control by then. From there, it was Dhruv Jurel who commanded the Indian charge. Jurel got 51 while getting significant support from Manav Suthar (24) as India concluded the day at 460/9, with the last pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar at the crease.
Brief scores:
India – 460/9 (Devdutt Padikkal – 167, KL Rahul – 82, Prabath Jayasuriya – 4/109)
