Sri Lanka Dig In as India Face Tough Finish in Colombo Test

Sri Lanka have put India under serious pressure on the fifth day of the second Test in Colombo, reaching 353/7 in their second innings and moving 140 runs ahead.

Sonal Dinusha has been the key figure in the resistance. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 76 from 146 balls, having spent a long stretch at the crease while India struggled to break through the lower middle order. His innings includes five boundaries and has come at a time when Sri Lanka simply needed someone to stay put.

Prabath Jayasuriya was alongside him on 0 from 25 balls at the latest update, with Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando still waiting to bat.

India started the match in control after winning the toss and choosing to bat, eventually declaring on 503/9. Sri Lanka replied with 290 in their first innings, leaving India with the advantage and the chance to push for a result.

That plan has become far less straightforward.

Sri Lanka's second innings has featured several useful contributions. Pasindu Sooriyabandara made 92 from 173 balls before Manav Suthar removed him, while Kamindu Mendis added 55 from 92 deliveries. Keshara Nuwantha then held his ground for 46 off 150 balls, soaking up valuable time before falling to Suthar.

Manav Suthar has been India's most successful bowler in the innings, taking three wickets for 104 runs from 33 overs. Saransh Jain and Ravindra Jadeja have one wicket each, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have also struck once.

Siraj has been particularly economical, conceding only 24 runs from 12 overs and picking up one wicket. His spell has kept Sri Lanka from accelerating freely, but India still need wickets quickly if they are to create a realistic opening.

The India vs Sri Lanka 2nd test has now moved into a fascinating final stretch. With Sri Lanka seven wickets down but already holding a 140-run lead, the visitors need to clean up the innings before the target becomes too demanding.

The equation is simple, even if the task is not. India need the remaining three wickets and then must chase whatever Sri Lanka leave them.

At the other end, Dinusha has shown little sign of giving his wicket away. Every additional run makes India's job harder, and the clock is becoming just as important as the scoreboard.

For fans following India vs Sri Lanka live, the final passage in Colombo could decide whether India complete a series sweep or Sri Lanka force a result-saving draw.