India Retain Advantage Despite Sri Lanka Fightback

Synopsis

Indian cricket team was struggling in the second test after a strong fightback from Sri Lankans on day four at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. India enforced the follow-on and sent the Sri Lankans to the pavilion for 290 in their first innings before the hosts reached 229/6 in the second. Sri Lankan players Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis gave a composed partnership of 115 runs and put up a strong resistance against Indian bowlers, but India struck back in the final session. To India’s disappointment, rain abruptly stopped play early, leaving Sri Lanka with a 16-run lead and four wickets remaining.

Follow-on Decision Raises Questions

India’s call to enforce the follow-on backfired after Sri Lankan batting showed tremendous recovery in their second innings. India had declared their first innings at 503/9, leaving Sri Lankan trail by 213 after they were dismissed for 290.

Sri Lanka ended the day at 265/8 and added only 25 runs before losing their final two wickets. India then chose to follow on and send the hosts back to bat rather than extend their own innings.

Mohammed Siraj took Lahiru Udara for three, while Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Kamil Mishara for 32. Sri Lanka were reduced to 63/2, pushing India closer to series victory. However, the hosts responded with their finest batting phase of the match.

Sooriyabandara Leads Sri Lankan Fightback

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, scored 80 against India in the first innings and again stood as a hurdle for India in the second. Pasindu with the help of Kamindu Mendis provided a composed batting phase for the team and also guarded the wicket till almost the end of the day.

Their partnership added 115 runs for the third wicket, taking their team score from 63/2 to 178/3. Both batter completed their half centuries, specially Mendis who kept his composure and was more comfortable against Indian bowling line up. India eventually broke the partnership through excellent fielding effort and dismissed Mendis for 55 off 92 balls and Sooriyabandara resistance ended at 92 off 173 ball.

Rain Delays India’s Victory Push

Sri Lanka scored 227/6 before rain brought play to a halt at 4:27 pm local time. At the end of the day, the host is keeping a narrow 16-run lead with four wickets remaining. The follow-on decision and the bowling lineup are to be blamed for the disadvantage India is facing. The spin attack conceded 10 no-balls; Jadeja bowled three of them alone, taking his career tally to 88 Test no-balls.

Now Sri Lanka will be dependent on their lower order to build a meaningful lead on the final morning. India, meanwhile, will look for those 4 remaining wickets. If everything goes as planned and the forecast rain stays away, India could finish as favourites.