Indian bowlers forced late breakthroughs to regain crucial momentum.

India closed in on a convincing victory after their bowlers triggered a late collapse during day four of the second Test in Colombo. Sri Lanka finished the day at 229 for 6 in their second innings, holding a fragile 16-run lead over India’s colossal 503 for 9 declared. Following their first innings total of 290, where Sonal Dinusha scored a brilliant 103, the hosts were asked to follow on.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis almost turned the match around for the home side. They built an aggressive 115-run partnership for the third wicket off 172 balls. Sooriyabandara struck an impressive 92, while Kamindu contributed 55, taking their team to 209 for 3. Indian spinners have historically exploited turning subcontinent tracks during late-game scenarios to dismantle opposition line-ups, and they repeated this pattern just as conditions looked tough.

Manav Suthar eventually shifted the momentum in favour of the visitors. He dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva and then tricked Sooriyabandara into a wide stumping by Rishabh Pant. Suthar finished the day with figures of 2 for 81, breaking the back of the resistance.

Final Push Before Rain Arrives

Saransh Jain added to the damage by trapping Niroshan Dickwella leg before wicket soon after. This quick burst of wickets left the hosts effectively reeling at 5 for 6. Rain arrived shortly after to end play early, leaving Sri Lanka with only 11 more runs added by their seventh-wicket pair.

Sonal Dinusha remains unbeaten on 7, carrying the final hopes for his team heading into day five. Indian pacers and spinners will now aim to wrap up the tail quickly and secure the series win.

With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI / BCCI