IND vs SL: Sri Lanka 265/8 as Rain Halts India’s Charge, Follow-On Threat Looms

Colombo: At the end of the third day's play in the second Test between India and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan team had scored 265 for 8 in 83.4 overs in their first innings. Responding to India's imposing total of 503, the hosts still trail by 238 runs and face the threat of a follow-on.

Sri Lanka suffers early setbacks

The day began poorly for Sri Lanka; resuming from their overnight score of 2 for 2, they suffered early blows. Kamil Mishara (19) fell to Prasidh Krishna, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva also returned to the pavilion cheaply for just 8 runs. Kamindu Mendis contributed 32 runs but failed to convert his start into a big score, and Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed for a duck.

Pasindu plays an 80-run knock

After the early setbacks, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha took up the responsibility of steadying the Sri Lankan innings. Sooriyabandara played a gritty knock of 80 off 133 balls, featuring 9 fours, before being bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. Meanwhile, at the other end, Sonal Dinusha batted superbly to reach 85 off 137 balls—hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes—and remained unbeaten at the crease when play ended for the day.

Indian bowlers shine

The Indian bowlers maintained pressure on Sri Lanka throughout the day with a disciplined bowling performance. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna claimed 3 crucial wickets for 47 runs in 14 overs, while spinner Manav Suthar also took 3 wickets, conceding 83 runs in 21 overs. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja picked up one wicket each, whereas Saransh Jain remained economical but failed to take a wicket.

Dinusha Nearing a Century

At the close of play on Day 3, Sonal Dinusha (85) and Lahiru Kumara (8) were at the crease. The Indian team will take the field on the morning of Day 4 aiming to quickly take the remaining two Sri Lankan wickets, secure a substantial lead, and tighten their grip on the match.