India continued to dominate the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday, despite rain and bad light bringing the third day’s play to an early conclusion.
Sri Lanka reached 265-8 in reply to India’s 503-9 declared, leaving the hosts 238 runs behind with the possibility of a follow-on still looming.
Sonal Dinusha Keeps Sri Lanka Fighting
Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85, keeping alive his hopes of scoring a second century of the series.
The Sri Lankan batter has been in impressive form after scoring 100 and 84 in the first Test in Galle, which India won convincingly to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Dinusha struck two sixes and six fours during a fluent innings and looked comfortable against both India’s pace and spin attacks.
Lahiru Kumara was unbeaten on eight when bad weather ended the day’s play.
Sooriyabandara Leads Sri Lanka Resistance
Pasindu Sooriyabandara provided the biggest resistance for Sri Lanka with an impressive 80.
The batter, who made his Test debut as a concussion substitute during the Galle Test, came close to registering his maiden Test century.
However, his innings ended in an unusual fashion while attempting to cut a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja.
Sooriyabandara deflected the ball onto his back thigh, from where it rolled onto the stumps and dislodged the bail.
Krishna and Suthar Keep Pressure on Hosts
India’s bowlers continued to apply pressure throughout the Sri Lankan innings.
Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets for 47 runs, dismissing Kamil Mishara for 19 and Kamindu Mendis for 32.
Manav Suthar also made an impact, removing Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva for eight and later dismissing Keshara Nuwantha for 18.
Suthar finished the day with 3-83.
Mohammed Siraj also struck early, having Niroshan Dickwella caught down the leg side for a duck.
Sri Lanka Still Face Follow-On Pressure
With Sri Lanka finishing on 265-8, they remain 238 runs behind India’s first-innings total.
The hosts therefore still face the possibility of being asked to follow on if they cannot close the deficit significantly.
Rain and poor light have already disrupted the Test, adding another challenge for Sri Lanka as they attempt to stay alive in the series.
India Cross 500 Thanks to Dhruv Jurel
India took complete control of the Test on Monday after declaring at 503-9.
The standout performer was wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who scored his second Test century and played a crucial role in pushing India beyond the 500-run mark.
Jurel built important partnerships and remained largely untroubled by the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
India had resumed the second day on 300-5 before accelerating their scoring and eventually declaring on 503-9.
India Lead Series 1-0
India entered the Colombo Test with a 1-0 lead after a comprehensive victory in Galle.
The visitors now have a strong opportunity to complete a series sweep, while Sri Lanka must produce a major turnaround to force a series-leveling result.
With Dinusha still unbeaten and Sri Lanka eight wickets down, the fourth day could prove crucial in determining whether the hosts can avoid the follow-on and extend the Test.