COLOMBO, AUG 26 (IANS): The fourth day of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground saw fluctuating fortunes, with Sri Lanka mounting a spirited fightback before India regained control late in the day. Rain eventually forced an early close, leaving the contest delicately poised heading into the final day.
India had declared their first innings at 503/9, and Sri Lanka resumed Day Four at 265/8 in their reply. The visitors quickly wrapped up the innings for 290, securing a 213-run lead. Opting to enforce the follow-on, India’s decision initially appeared risky as Sri Lanka responded with their most determined batting display of the series.
Early breakthroughs came for India when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Lahiru Udara cheaply and Ravindra Jadeja removed Kamil Mishara for 32. However, Sri Lanka’s middle order, led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis, staged a remarkable recovery. The duo added 115 runs for the third wicket, taking the score from 63/2 to 178/3. Both batters reached half-centuries, with Mendis particularly fluent, and for a period India’s follow-on decision looked questionable.
The breakthrough arrived through sharp fielding. Prasidh Krishna’s short delivery induced a mistimed pull from Mendis, and Shubman Gill completed a superb running catch to dismiss him for 55. At tea, Sri Lanka were 199/3, still trailing by 14 runs, with Sooriyabandara unbeaten on 90.
India struck back in the final session. Manav Suthar dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 23, and Sooriyabandara, who had anchored the innings with 92 off 173 balls, fell just short of a maiden Test century. Attempting to charge Suthar, he was beaten by a slower delivery and stumped smartly by Rishabh Pant, whose anticipation proved decisive.
Sri Lanka’s resistance faltered further when Saransh Jain trapped Niroshan Dickwella LBW for six, reducing the hosts to 218/6. Sonal Dinusha and debutant Keshara Nuwantha then adopted a defensive approach, ensuring no further damage before rain intervened.
The day also highlighted India’s bowling discipline issues. Their spinners overstepped repeatedly, conceding 10 no-balls—the most by a spin attack in a Test since Afghanistan’s 15 against Bangladesh in 2023. Jadeja’s three no-balls took his career tally to 88, the highest for a spinner since 2021.
Play was halted at 4.37 pm local time with Sri Lanka on 227/6, and heavy rain ensured no resumption. By stumps, Sri Lanka had reached 229/6, leading by just 16 runs, with India four wickets away from victory and the second new ball due in less than eight overs.
For much of the day, Sri Lanka had threatened to overturn the narrative. Sooriyabandara’s twin half-centuries and Mendis’ fluent 55 gave the hosts hope of forcing India to bat again. Yet India’s late burst restored their advantage, leaving them well placed to chase a modest target if weather permits.
The forecast for the final day predicts further rain, which could play a decisive role. India will aim to dismiss the remaining four wickets quickly and secure a straightforward chase. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will rely on their lower order to extend the lead, hoping that both weather and their bowlers can turn a precarious situation into a contest.
Day Four was marked by momentum shifts—Sri Lanka’s spirited partnership, India’s late breakthroughs, and the rain interruption. With the hosts leading by only 16 runs and four wickets in hand, the match remains tilted in India’s favour, though the weather may ultimately determine the outcome.
Brief scores:
India 503/9 decl. trail Sri Lanka 290 and (f/o) 229/6 in 72.4 overs (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 92 not out, Kamindu Mendis 55; Manav Suthar 2-81, Mohammed Siraj 1-11, Ravindra Jadeja 1-48) by 16 runs.
