Sri Lanka lost the Second test match against India in Colombo. Sri Lanka lost four wickets by lunch time although Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored half century before lunch.
At the lunch break, Sooriyabandara remained unbeaten on 65, while Dhananjaya de Silva was batting on 4, as Sri Lanka continued their struggle against India’s strong bowling attack. The hosts were still trailing by 373 runs after India posted a commanding 503-9 declared in their first innings.
India entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test at Galle.
Early Setbacks Put Sri Lanka Under Pressure
Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on Tuesday morning at 8-2, already facing a difficult situation after losing two early wickets.
The hosts suffered another setback when debutant Kamil Mishara, who scored 19 runs, attempted to defend a delivery from Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna but edged the ball behind to the wicketkeeper.
The dismissal left Sri Lanka struggling at the top of the order and increased pressure on their middle-order batters to rebuild the innings.
Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis Lead Recovery
Sri Lanka’s hopes briefly revived through a strong partnership between Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis.
The pair added 87 runs for the fourth wicket, resisting India’s disciplined bowling attack and preventing an early collapse.
Mendis, who scored 32 runs, initially looked uncomfortable but gradually settled against India’s spin attack. He used his feet well and showed improved confidence as the partnership developed.
However, India changed their strategy by bringing their fast bowlers back into the attack, and Prasidh Krishna delivered the breakthrough.
Mendis attempted a shot but played the ball directly to the short mid-wicket fielder, giving Krishna his third wicket of the innings.
Sooriyabandara Provides Lone Resistance
While wickets continued to fall around him, Sooriyabandara displayed composure and attacking intent.
The 26-year-old batter, known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket, played several elegant strokes and kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive.
He handled India’s pace attack confidently, driving deliveries through the off side and using his feet effectively against spin bowlers.
His unbeaten 65 remained the highlight of Sri Lanka’s innings as other batters struggled to build partnerships.
India’s Strong Position After Massive First-Innings Total
India had dominated the first two days of the Test after declaring their innings at 503 for 9.
Their batting lineup produced a strong performance, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure with a huge first-innings total.
The Indian bowlers then maintained control, taking early wickets and preventing Sri Lanka from establishing a stable position.
Rain Affects Schedule as India Push for Series Victory
The start of the third day was moved forward by 15 minutes to compensate for lost playing time after rain interruptions on Monday.
Only 56 overs were possible on the second day because of weather disruptions, reducing Sri Lanka’s opportunity to recover.
With Sri Lanka still hundreds of runs behind and four wickets down, India remain firmly in control and close to securing another dominant performance in the series.
