Colombo Test, Day 4: India eye win over resilient SL
What's the story
Sri Lanka showed resilience against India on Day 4 of the 2nd Test at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. In response to India's 503 /9, the hosts were bowled out for 290 in the morning session. Indian skipper Shubman Gill then enforced the follow-on. However, a 115-run stand between Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis headlined the second session. SL were 229/6 before rain ended the day's play.
Innings
SL's first innings wrapped up
Sri Lanka were 265/8 (83.4 overs) at stumps on the third evening.
Sonal Dinusha (85*) and Lahiru Kumara (8*) began on their overnight score, with the former completing his century.
While SL began adding more runs, debutant Saransh Jain removed both Lahiru and Dinusha to wrap up the innings.
Jain took 2/69 in 20.4 overs, while Prasidh Krishna (3/52) and Manav Suthar (3/85) recorded three-fers each.
Score
Historic Test ton against India
Dinusha was SL's final wicket to fall, having scored 103 off 162 balls (8 fours and 3 sixes).
Dinusha earlier scored a century as a No. 6 batter in the first Test at Galle International Stadium.
This made him only the second Sri Lankan player after Duleep Mendis to score multiple centuries in their first two Tests against India, according to Cricbuzz.
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Another record for Dinusha
According to Cricbuzz, Dinusha became the seventh SL batter with hundreds in consecutive Tests against India. He joined Aravinda de Silva (1997), Kumar Sangakkara (2009-2010), Sanath Jayasuriya (1997), Mahela Jayawardene (2001), Tharanga Paranavitana (2010), and Angelo Mathews (2015).
Partnership
Sooriyabandara rescues SL
Facing a 213-run deficit, SL lost Lahiru Udara early as he fell to Mohammed Siraj.
However, Sooriyabandara and Kamil Mishara added 58 runs with a counter-attacking approach.
Although Ravindra Jadeja removed Mishara, Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis propelled the Lankans. While Sooriyabandara used his footwork against spinners, Mendis ticked the scoreboard.
The duo added 115 runs (170 balls) before Prasidh Krishna dismissed Mendis.
Scores
Mendis, Sooriyabandara depart
Mendis scored a fine 55 off 92 balls, laced with 2 fours and 3 sixes.
The Lankan batter, who earlier reached 1,500 Test runs, completed his seventh half-century in the format.
Meanwhile, Sooriyabandara was eyeing the three-figure mark after the tea break. However, SL suffered another blow, losing skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (23) to Manav Suthar.
In his next over, Suthar dismissed Sooriyabandara, who departed for a 173-ball 92 (10 fours and 1 six).
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Twin fifties for Sooriyabandara
As mentioned, Sooriyabandara scored a crucial 80 (133) in the first innings. This included an 87-run stand with Kamindu Mendis. Playing only his second Test, the Lankan batter proved his mettle with twin half-centuries.
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SL six down; India
Before stumps, Niroshan Dickwella also fell to Saransh Jain, leaving the Lankans at a precarious 218/6. The onus is now on Sonal Dinusha (7*), who will resume along with Keshara Nuwantha (3*). Sri Lanka lead by 16 runs with three sessions to go.