Colombo, Aug 25: India missed several opportunities to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings as the hosts’ lower order mounted a stubborn resistance on the third day of the second Test, reaching 265 for eight at stumps here on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka still trail the follow-on mark by 38 runs, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 85 and Lahiru Kumara on eight when rain and bad light forced an early close.
Dinusha once again proved a thorn in India’s side, recording his third successive score of more than 50 in as many innings in the series. He spent 201 minutes at the crease, negotiating India’s pace and spin attacks with considerable composure.
The left-hander first shared a 57-run eighth-wicket stand with Keshara Nuwantha before adding another 35 with Kumara to frustrate the visitors.
India had looked firmly in control after reducing Sri Lanka to 216 for seven by tea. Manav Suthar dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who edged the ball to KL Rahul, before Ravindra Jadeja accounted for Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
Mohammed Siraj then removed Niroshan Dickwella, caught behind by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, but India could not capitalise on the opening.
Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed at 8 for two and lost Kamil Mishara for 19. However, Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis steadied the innings with an 87-run partnership.
Playing only his second Test, Sooriyabandara displayed impressive composure to score 80 and register his maiden Test half-century off 76 balls.
Mendis also attacked the Indian spinners, hitting Suthar for a six, before Prasidh Krishna ended the partnership by inducing him into pulling a short delivery straight to Jadeja.
With India unable to finish the job despite having Sri Lanka on the back foot, Dinusha and the tail ensured the hosts closed the day on a stronger note.
India will look to dismiss Sri Lanka quickly on the fourth morning, while the hosts need only 38 more runs to avoid the follow-on.
