Sri Lanka mounted an impressive recovery on Day 4 of the second Test, reaching 199/3 by the tea interval at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
The hosts resumed the second innings at 83/2 and entered the session 131 runs behind India.
Sooriyabandara and Mendis responded positively and refused to allow the Indian bowlers to maintain pressure.
Sooriyabandara continued to bat with composure and regularly exploited gaps in the field.
Mendis matched his partner’s approach and looked to score whenever India offered him opportunities.
The left-hander completed his half-century in the 40th over when he pulled a short delivery from Prasidh Krishna over fine leg for six. He eventually departed for 55 from 92 balls, with his innings containing two fours and three sixes.
The stand crossed 100 runs to become Sri Lanka’s 13th century partnership while following on and only their second such partnership against India.
Sooriyabandara completed his second half-century of the match by striking a boundary off Ravindra Jadeja. He advanced down the track and lifted the delivery over extra cover to reach the landmark.
Sooriyabandara’s achievement made him the first Sri Lankan batter since Danushka Gunathilaka in 2018 to register twin fifties in a Test at the SSC in Colombo.
India finally ended the 126-run stand when Krishna returned with a short delivery against Mendis.
Mendis tried to attack the ball but sent it high towards square leg, where Shubman Gill completed a superb running catch.
Dhananjaya de Silva joined Sooriyabandara after Mendis’ dismissal and ensured that Sri Lanka did not suffer another immediate setback.
Sooriyabandara reached 90 from 157 deliveries by tea, while Dhananjaya remained unbeaten on 14 from 35 balls.
Sri Lanka’s determined response has dramatically reduced India’s advantage after the follow-on. The hosts now need just 16 runs to wipe out the deficit.
India 503/9 dec; Sri Lanka 290 & 199/3 in 56 overs (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 90*, Kamindu Mendis 55; Mohammed Siraj 1/8, Ravindra Jadeja 1/43, Prasidh Krishna 1/30), trailing by 14 runs.
Also Read: India vs Sri Lanka: Siraj, Jadeja Strike As Sri Lanka Reach 83/2 After Follow-On
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