India, Aug. 18 -- Indian bowlers met an unexpected obstacle in centurion Sonal Dinusha but the Manav Suthar-led unit carried enough grunt to establish a sizable 178-run lead over Sri Lanka on the third day of the first Test here on Monday.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 in their first innings as Suthar (4/76) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/57) led India's attack with skill and verve. Once the hosts were reduced to 99 for five at lunch, thanks to the early brilliance of left-arm spinner Suthar, the end seemed imminent for them.

But Dinusha, who made a crafty maiden international hundred of 100 off 168 balls, and the seasoned Niroshan Dickwella (80, 115b) added 146 runs off 216 balls for the sixth wicket to keep the rampaging Indian bowlers at...