Dickwella extends unwanted record with 23rd Test fifty

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella scored 80 runs off 115 balls on day three of the first Test against India at Galle, missing his maiden Test century for the 23rd time in his career. His 50-plus score, however, helped Sri Lanka avoid the follow-on after they were 90 for 5, with Sonal Dinusha scoring a maiden Test ton in a 146-run partnership.

According to Times Now, Dickwella now holds the world record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket without a century, surpassing former India opener Chetan Chauhan's 16. Dickwella is also second on the list of most Test runs without a century, with 2,757 runs, trailing only Shane Warne's 3,154 runs.

The 33-year-old made his Test debut in 2014 and has been in and out of the side since 2022. His latest comeback saw him frustrate the Indian bowling attack with the older ball.