Sri Lanka Take Narrow Lead as Mendis and Sooriyabandara Resist India in Second Test

Sri Lanka managed to stay alive in the second Test against India after Kamindu Mendis and Pasindu Sooriyabandara hit important half-centuries on Wednesday. Their efforts helped the hosts avoid an innings defeat and move into a narrow lead on the fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium.

Sri Lanka finished Day 4 on 229/6, giving them a 16-run advantage. Sonal Dinusha, who had scored a century earlier in the match, remained unbeaten on seven. He was joined by all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha, who was on three at the close of play.

The day started with Sri Lanka resuming their first innings at 265/8, with Dinusha and Lahiru Kumara continuing their partnership.

Sonal Dinusha continued to lead Sri Lanka’s fightback after playing a key role on the third day. He reached his second Test century in the first session, but Sri Lanka still ended up 200 runs behind. Saransh Jain then removed both overnight batters, bringing Sri Lanka’s first innings to an end at 290 in 89.4 overs.

Dinusha was Sri Lanka’s top scorer, making 103 from 162 balls. His innings included eight fours and three sixes.

Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar were India’s leading wicket-takers, taking three wickets each. Saransh Jain picked up two, while Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket apiece.

India had a 213-run lead after the first innings, so captain Shubman Gill decided to enforce the follow-on. Sri Lanka were sent back in to bat as India looked to finish the match, which had already lost a lot of playing time because of rain.

Sri Lanka did not have the best start to their second innings, losing both openers inside the first 15 overs. Lahiru Udara was dismissed for three, while Kamil Mishara made 32 as Sri Lanka slipped to 63/2.

Kamindu Mendis then came in and joined Pasindu Sooriyabandara at the crease. The two batters steadied the innings and put together a 115-run stand. Both Mendis and Sooriyabandara reached their half-centuries during the partnership.

After the dismissal of Mendis, Sooriyabandara added 31 runs with captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored 23. However, India struck again as both batters were dismissed in quick succession.

Dinusha and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella added only six runs for the sixth wicket before Saransh Jain dismissed Dickwella for seven. Despite the quick dismissal, Sri Lanka managed to move into the lead.

Keshara Nuwantha then joined Dinusha at the crease. The pair played carefully and added an unbeaten 11 runs for the seventh wicket. Their stand helped Sri Lanka avoid any more damage before the close of play and take their narrow lead into the final day.