Prasidh Krishna’s Double Blow Keeps India Ahead As Sri Lanka Reach 130/4

Sri Lanka resumed their second innings at 8/2 and steadily increased the scoring rate during the opening session at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamil Mishara initially settled into the crease and dealt confidently with India’s bowling.

Mishara attacked deliveries around the square region, while Sooriyabandara displayed patience and gradually built his innings.

Prasidh Krishna, who had removed Lahiru Udara late on the second day, delivered another important wicket.

The Indian pacer repeatedly tested Mishara with short-pitched deliveries before one delivery climbed onto the batter’s gloves.

Dhruv Jurel safely completed the catch behind the stumps, ending Mishara’s innings at 19 and reducing Sri Lanka to 35/3.

Kamindu Mendis then partnered Sooriyabandara as Sri Lanka looked to recover from the early setbacks.

The two batters attacked whenever India offered scoring opportunities and compiled an 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Sooriyabandara continued his impressive outing in just his second Test innings.

The batter used the pace of India’s fast bowlers effectively and later challenged the spinners with confident sweeps and lofted strokes. He completed his maiden Test half-century with a single against Ravindra Jadeja.

Sooriyabandara reached lunch unbeaten on 65 from 93 deliveries and remained Sri Lanka’s key hope of building a substantial total.

Mendis contributed valuable runs before Krishna struck again shortly before lunch.

Krishna’s dismissal ended Mendis’ innings at 32 from 58 balls and left Sri Lanka at 122/4.

Dhananjaya de Silva joined Sooriyabandara and opened his account with a boundary through the leg side.

Sri Lanka still face a significant deficit after India declared their first innings at 503/9.

Krishna led India’s bowling attack with figures of 3/35 from nine overs, while Manav Suthar added one wicket.

Brief Scores

India 503/9 dec; Sri Lanka 130/4 in 32 overs (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 65*, Prasidh Krishna 3/35, Manav Suthar 1/38), trailing by 373 runs.