Sri Lanka’s young batsmen mounted a spirited resistance on day four of the second Test against India in Colombo, but the hosts remain in a precarious position heading into the final day. After being required to follow on, Sri Lanka reached 229 for six in their second innings before rain halted play, leaving them still trailing by 16 runs with just four wickets remaining. India requires only a modest push on the fifth morning to secure victory and wrap up a 2-0 series win.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis provided the standout performances for Sri Lanka, combining for a crucial 115-run partnership that temporarily frustrated the Indian bowling attack. Playing in only his second Test, the 26-year-old Sooriyabandara crafted an elegant 92 from 173 balls, featuring ten fours and a six. Mendis contributed a determined 55, though his dismissal to a spectacular diving catch by Shubman Gill proved the turning point. Sooriyabandara eventually fell to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar after attempting an ambitious charge down the pitch.
Earlier, Sonal Dinusha completed his second century of the series with 103 off 162 balls, guiding Sri Lanka past the follow-on target. The left-hander has emerged as the hosts’ most reliable batter across the two Tests. Despite these individual contributions, Sri Lanka’s opening partnerships continue to trouble them, yielding minimal runs throughout the series and leaving the team vulnerable against India’s disciplined bowling.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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