By Dwayne Ferreira.
Sri Lanka vs India Day 4 saw Pasindu Sooriyabandara hit 92 before India struck late, leaving Sri Lanka only 16 runs ahead in Colombo.
COLOMBO — India moved to the brink of completing a Test series sweep over Sri Lanka after a dramatic fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club, where the hosts produced a spirited second-innings fightback before losing three crucial wickets late in the day.
Sri Lanka ended Day 4 of the second Test on 229 for six in their second innings, holding a lead of just 16 runs, after India enforced the follow-on following the hosts’ dismissal for 290 earlier in the morning. Rain eventually brought play to an early close, leaving India needing four wickets on the final day before what could be a relatively small run chase.
India had declared their first innings at 503 for nine, meaning Sri Lanka trailed by 213 runs after being bowled out in their first innings.
For much of the afternoon, however, Sri Lanka threatened to transform the complexion of the contest.
Sooriyabandara Leads Sri Lanka Resistance
Pasindu Sooriyabandara produced an excellent 92, combining aggression with composure as Sri Lanka attempted to erase the substantial first-innings deficit.
The hosts suffered an early setback after being asked to bat again when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Lahiru Udara for three. However, Kamil Mishara and Sooriyabandara refused to allow India to dictate proceedings.
Mishara attacked the Indian spinners before Ravindra Jadeja eventually removed him, while Sooriyabandara continued to find scoring opportunities.
The young batter then combined with Kamindu Mendis in the partnership that temporarily shifted the momentum towards Sri Lanka.
Sooriyabandara and Kamindu added 115 runs for the third wicket, carrying Sri Lanka beyond the follow-on deficit and forcing India to work considerably harder than they may have anticipated.
Kamindu, who had endured a difficult period with the bat in Test cricket, found some rhythm and reached a valuable half-century before departing for 55.
Sooriyabandara was particularly effective against spin, rotating the strike and using the sweep and reverse sweep to disrupt India’s bowlers.
At tea, Sri Lanka had reached 199 for three and appeared capable of stretching the contest deep into the fifth day.
Suthar Breakthrough Changes the Game
India desperately needed a breakthrough and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar provided it.
With Sooriyabandara eight runs short of what would have been a memorable century, Suthar spotted the batter advancing down the pitch and pushed the delivery outside his reach. Rishabh Pant completed the stumping to dismiss him for 92.
It proved to be the turning point.
Sri Lanka suddenly began losing wickets again.
Niroshan Dickwella was trapped leg before wicket by debutant Saransh Jain for six, with a review confirming the on-field decision.
Suthar then struck again when Keshara Nuwantha advanced down the wicket but could only send the ball towards mid-off, where Jain completed the catch.
Sri Lanka slipped to 229 for six.
Sonal Dinusha, who had earlier completed another impressive century in Sri Lanka’s first innings, was unbeaten on seven when rain prevented any further play.
Dinusha Completes Another Century
Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed their first innings at 265 for eight with Dinusha approaching three figures.
The left-hander reached 103, completing his second century of the series and continuing what has been one of the biggest positives for Sri Lanka despite India’s dominance.
However, India required little time to claim the final two wickets.
Saransh Jain dismissed Dinusha and Lahiru Kumara as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290, leaving them well short of the 303 required to avoid the follow-on.
India captain Shubman Gill immediately elected to make Sri Lanka bat again.
It was an aggressive decision, particularly with rain remaining a significant factor in Colombo, but India’s late breakthroughs ensured the move had placed the visitors in a commanding position heading into the final day.
Rain Sri Lanka’s Remaining Ally
The equation is now straightforward.
Sri Lanka must find a way to extend their 16-run advantage while protecting their remaining four wickets. India, meanwhile, will look to finish the innings quickly and leave themselves as little as possible to chase.
The weather could still have the final say.
Rain interrupted Day 4 and forecasts indicated the possibility of further showers in Colombo on Thursday, meaning India may need to act quickly if they are to force a result.
India already hold the upper hand in the series following their 165-run victory in the first Test and are now within touching distance of completing a 2-0 sweep.
For Sri Lanka, Sooriyabandara’s 92 and Dinusha’s century provided further evidence of promise within the batting group.
Yet the scoreboard remains unforgiving.
After four days of cricket in Colombo, India need only four more wickets to open the door to victory, while Sri Lanka require either a remarkable lower-order resistance or assistance from the Colombo skies to prevent the visitors from completing the job.
MATCH SCORECARD
2nd Test, Colombo – End of Day 4
India – 1st Innings
503/9 declared
Dhruv Jurel 114*
Devdutt Padikkal 117
Sri Lanka – 1st Innings
290 all out (89.4 overs)
Sonal Dinusha 103
Niroshan Dickwella 80
Sri Lanka – 2nd Innings
229/6 (72.4 overs)
Pasindu Sooriyabandara 92
Kamindu Mendis 55
Manav Suthar 2 wickets
MATCH POSITION
Sri Lanka lead by 16 runs with four wickets remaining.
Series: India lead 1-0
Day 5: India need four wickets before beginning their final chase.
