The second test of the first day at SSC, Colombo saw India dominate as Pujara and Rahane partnership gives the visitors a strong position with 344 for 3. India won the toss again, Rahul came back scoring fifty on his return to the Indian team. Both Rahane and Pujara remained not out on centuries.
Winning the second toss in a row, the Indian captain Virat Kohli won a crucial toss and elected to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul got off to a quick fire start putting on 56 runs for the first wicket. Dhawan was given not out but Dinesh Chandimal decided to review and the umpire had to go for 35 runs.
Pujara came to the crease and struggled for a little while. The Sri Lankan bowlers did a decent job before the lunch break. KL Rahul completed his fifty in 72 balls to become the third Indian batsmen after Dravid and Vishwanath to score 6 half centuries in test cricket. India went into lunch at the score of 101 for 1.
After the lunch break, Rahul was run out via a mix up with Pujara. KL Rahul was dismissed for 57 ending a 53 runs partnership for the second wicket. The Indian captain lost his wicket for 13 to leave India at 133 for 3. Pujara and Rahane put pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling attack with their aggressive style of play. Pujara completed his fifty in 112 balls. It was an excellent batting display by both players to end the second session at 238 for 3.
Both batsmen continued to play with an aggressive approach. Rahane completed his half century in 83 balls while Pujara showed his class as he scored a century in 164 balls. None of Sri Lankan bowlers were able to put pressure on these two batsmen. Before the end of the play, Rahane completed his 9th century and sixth outside India. The Indian team ended the first day on a dominating 344 for 3 in 90 overs.
Perera, Hearth picked 1 wicket while the 3rd wicket was a run-out.
India 344 for 3 in 90 overs ( C Pujara 126*, A Rahane 103*)
