India retain upper hand despite Sri Lanka fightback

Sri Lanka fought back strongly after being asked to follow-on, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara’s 92 and a half-century from Kamindu Mendis giving the hosts some hope.

But a late collapse and rain have left the hosts only 16 runs ahead, with four wickets in hand, heading into the decisive final day in Colombo, a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.

The day began with Sri Lanka hoping Sonal Dinusha, nearing his century, could help them avoid the follow-on. Four balls in and he was given out lbw to Saransh Jain on 85, but a successful review showed the ball would have gone over the stumps, giving him a crucial second life.

Dinusha made the most of it. Two balls later, he launched Jain for six before following it with a four, racing into the nineties. He soon reached his second century of the series, pulling a short ball from Prasidh Krishna over mid-on for six.

Dinusha (103) and Lahiru Kumara (12) added 58 runs, but Jain eventually dismissed both to complete his first Test wickets. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290, falling 14 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

"I think Sonal has been our thorn in the attack. He is a fabulous player. He plays spin really well. He understands the conditions and the pitch in Sri Lanka," India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said post the day's play.

"He has taken the brave route at times, going aerial and also rotating the strike.

"The Galle innings, this innings have been very special. I think both of them have been very good in understanding what the situation is demanding, and under pressure, they have really executed their skills to their ability."

"We were looking at the clouds every now and then because the rains are around any moment. So considering that, I think it was very important for us to,there was no debate, but to give that follow-on and get on the field," Bahutule also said.

"Definitely it is hard on the players, on the bowlers. But I think all of them were very well prepared. All of them wanted to follow on. And I think they showed their character in both the sessions post follow-on."

India duly enforced it, and Mohammed Siraj struck early when Lahiru Udara (3)  top-edged a pull off a sharp bouncer leaving Sri Lanka at 5 for 1.

Kamil Mishara (32) and Sooriyabandara then shifted the momentum. Mishara attacked the Indian spinners before Ravindra Jadeja ended his stay, but Sooriyabandara continued to take the game on. He did not allow the spinners to settle and brought up his second fifty of the Test.

Kamindu Mendis (55) provided much valuable support, and the pair put on 115 for the third wicket. Mendis, who was not having a great run with the bat in whites, also reached his half-century before he miscued a pull and saw Shubman Gill take an excellent catch.

Sooriyabandara continued to look in complete control and appeared destined for a century. But eight runs short, he was out for 92 after stepping out to Suthar, who cleverly bowled it wide of his reach. Rishabh Pant completed a sharp stumping to give India a crucial breakthrough.

Sri Lanka's late wickets slowed their progress, but they eventually moved into a lead before rain brought play to an early close.

With the hosts just 16 runs ahead, the final day promises plenty of intrigue, with the weather likely to have a major say in how the play unfolds.

"Saransh has toiled a lot in domestic cricket over the years. And he's got his fair due," Bahutule said about debutant Jain.

"That opportunity to make a debut for India is special. And that's what he did. He showed a lot of character in spite of certain decisions not going in his way and him not getting those wickets early in the first innings. But he was very consistent in his line and length.

"He possesses that side spin, which is good, which gives him that drift. His flat trajectory is very good. And he is also of a speed range between 80-85. So that makes him unique. When we have two more spinners with Jaddu (Jadeja) and Manav, he brings that variety. I think he put in a fabulous effort."

Series schedule:

First Test: August 15-19, Galle (India won by 165 runs)

Second Test: August 23-27, Colombo