Sri Lanka mounted a determined fightback on the fourth day of the second and final Test, but India remained firmly in control and moved closer to completing a series sweep. The hosts ended Wednesday on 229-6, just 16 runs ahead, with only four wickets remaining.
Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 290
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 290 in their first innings. Debutant spinner Saransh Jain claimed the final two wickets, allowing India captain Shubman Gill to enforce the follow-on.
India quickly put Sri Lanka under pressure again, with Mohammed Siraj removing Lahiru Udara before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Kamil Mishara for 32.
Sooriyabandara and Mendis Lead Sri Lanka Fightback
With Sri Lanka in trouble, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis launched an aggressive counter-attack.
The pair added 115 runs for the third wicket, scoring freely against India’s bowlers and briefly shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Sooriyabandara, who had scored 80 in the first innings, survived a couple of nervous moments. A difficult chance offered to Siraj at deep square leg went down, while another opportunity fell just short of Jadeja.
Gill Produces Another Brilliant Catch
India eventually broke the partnership through another outstanding piece of fielding from Gill.
Mendis top-edged a short delivery from Prasidh Krishna, sending the ball high towards square leg. Gill initially ran backwards before changing direction and diving to complete an excellent catch.
Mendis departed for 55, ending the crucial partnership.
Sooriyabandara Falls Short of Maiden Century
Sooriyabandara appeared on course for his maiden Test century after surviving an lbw review.
However, the batter’s concentration deserted him when he charged down the pitch at a wide delivery from spinner Manav Suthar. He missed the ball completely, allowing wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to complete a comfortable stumping.
Sooriyabandara was dismissed for 92, narrowly missing out on his first Test hundred.
Sonal Dinusha Completes Second Century
Earlier, Sonal Dinusha converted his overnight score of 85 into a century during Sri Lanka’s first innings.
His 103 was his second century of the series after he also scored 100 in the first Test in Galle. He has now made a major impact in what has been a remarkable series for him.
Dinusha remained unbeaten on seven at the end of the fourth day’s play.
Sri Lanka Face a Difficult Final Day
Sri Lanka finished the day on 229-6, holding a slender 16-run lead with four wickets remaining. Dinusha will be joined by Keshara Nuwantha, who was unbeaten on three when rain interrupted play.
With India already leading the two-match series 1-0, Sri Lanka face a major challenge to avoid another defeat.
India will need four more wickets on the final day to wrap up the Test and secure a 2-0 series victory.