India reaches 101-1 at lunch on Day 1 in first test against Sri Lanka

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GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — India dominated the opening session of the two-test cricket series against Sri Lanka, reaching 101-1 at lunch on Day 1.

Devdutt Padikkal was batting on 35, while Lokesh Rahul was 32 not out at the break.

Earlier, Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first Saturday in what is India's 600th test on its 80th Independence Day.

Jaiswal-Rahul made use of the fresh wicket to put on 47 off 66 balls for the first wicket. The runs came at good pace with both batters using the new ball’s hardness to score boundaries. Jaiswal in particular hit five fours and scored at strike-rate of 86.

Their partnership came to an abrupt end when Jaiswal was run-out in the 11th over for 32 off 37 balls. There was some obstruction from the bowler – debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha – but the two batters had only themselves to blame as both ended up stranded at the bowlers end in India's only blemish of the session.

Padikkal though didn’t take any time to settle down and hit four fours with a six too, as he put on an unbeaten 54 off 96 balls with Rahul for the second wicket. There was a heavy downpour as the players walked off for lunch and the second session could be delayed.

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.

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