Sri Lanka ended day three of the second Test against India at 265-8, still 238 runs behind India’s first-innings total of 503-9 declared. Rain stopped play early on Tuesday, leaving the hosts needing another 39 runs to avoid the follow-on.
Only 80.4 overs were completed from the scheduled 98. The weather interruptions prevented India from finishing the Sri Lankan innings, but the visitors remained firmly in control of the match.
Sri Lanka Battle to Avoid Follow-On
India’s fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel said his team wants to finish the innings quickly on Wednesday and enforce the follow-on.
“With the amount of rain that is around, it takes a lot of time to put the covers on and take covers off,” Morkel told reporters. “Given the lead we have, we want to ask them to follow on and put them under pressure.”
Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals during the day. Niroshan Dickwella fell for a third-ball duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 173-7.
However, Sonal Dinusha produced another determined innings. He first added 57 runs with Keshara Nuwantha for the eighth wicket before partnering Lahiru Kumara for another 35.
Dinusha finished the day unbeaten on 85. The all-rounder has continued his excellent form after scoring 100 and 84 in the first Test in Galle.
Sooriyabandara Leads Sri Lanka Resistance
Pasindu Sooriyabandara also made an important contribution with 80. He entered the starting XI for the first time after replacing Dinesh Chandimal as a concussion substitute during the second innings of the Galle Test.
Sooriyabandara admitted he was disappointed that he could not convert his score into a bigger innings.
India’s Prasidh Krishna caused the most problems for Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. The paceman claimed three wickets and regularly troubled the hosts with extra bounce.
Sri Lanka resumed Tuesday on 8-2 but lost two more wickets during the morning session. India then added three wickets after lunch to put further pressure on the hosts.
Sri Lanka Still Need 39 Runs
With Sri Lanka on 265-8, the hosts need 39 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Lahiru Kumara remains unbeaten on eight, while Sonal Dinusha has reached 85 without losing his wicket.
India declared their first innings at 503-9 after strong centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. The visitors now have a significant advantage as they look to press for victory.
Rain could still influence the remainder of the Test. However, if India can quickly remove the final two Sri Lankan wickets, the visitors will have an opportunity to put the hosts under further pressure.
Scoreboard
India: 503-9 declared
Sri Lanka: 265-8
Trail: 238 runs
Sri Lanka need: 39 runs to avoid follow-on
Sri Lanka: Sonal Dinusha 85*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 80, Kusal Mendis 32
India: Prasidh Krishna 3-47, Ravindra Jadeja 1-45, Nitish Kumar Reddy Suthar 3-83
