Sonal Dinusha produced a statement innings for Sri Lanka, scoring a composed 100 off 168 balls to rescue his side from trouble and help them post 284 in the first innings.
The left-hander struck four fours and two sixes, batting for more than four hours before being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Ravindra Jadeja.
Dinusha’s century was particularly significant given the situation in which it was made. Sri Lanka were struggling at 90/5 when he joined Dhananjaya de Silva. The pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial 146-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka from serious trouble to a competitive position. Dinusha then continued to shepherd the lower order, eventually becoming the ninth wicket to fall at 274.
Who is Sonal Dinusha?
Sonal Dinusha was born on December 4, 2000, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he is an all-rounder who has progressed through Sri Lanka’s age-group and development structures. He was educated at Mahanama College in Colombo and has represented Sri Lanka Under-19, Sri Lanka Emerging, Sri Lanka A and several domestic sides.
Dinusha’s development has largely come through first-class cricket, where his ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him a valuable player. His domestic career has included Colombo Cricket Club, Dambulla, Galle Titans, Dambulla Sixers and SLC Greens, among others.
Breakthrough with Sri Lanka A
Before establishing himself at Test level, Dinusha made his presence felt with Sri Lanka A. One of his most notable performances came against Pakistan Shaheens in November 2024.
He scored 85 in the first innings before making an unbeaten 116 in the second innings. His century came as part of a remarkable 214-run fifth-wicket partnership with Pavan Rathnayake, helping Sri Lanka A recover from 46/4 and eventually declare on 260/4.
Test Cricket Journey
Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo in June 2025. He has subsequently remained part of Sri Lanka’s Test plans, offering the side a useful combination of left-handed batting and left-arm spin.
Across his first three Tests, he has contributed with both disciplines, with career figures listed at 186 runs and six wickets, including a best bowling performance of 3/22.
The century against India represents another important step in Dinusha’s development. His 100 off 168 balls was not simply a milestone innings; it was a rescue act.