India maintained their dominance in the second Test at the SSC, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure by the close of play on day four. Despite a spirited fightback from the hosts, Sri Lanka ended the day at 229 for 6, holding a precarious lead of only 16 runs after being asked to follow on. The visitors’ bowlers, led by Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna, consistently broke through key partnerships to keep India in the driver’s seat.
The day began with Sri Lanka resuming their first innings at 265 for 8, still trailing by 238 runs. Sonal Dinusha, who started on 85, reached his second century of the series by pulling Prasidh Krishna for a boundary. His resistance concluded shortly after when he was caught by KL Rahul off the bowling of Saransh Jain for 103. Earlier, Lahiru Kumara had fallen for a quick cameo, caught by Dhruv Jurel off Saransh, who claimed his maiden Test wicket. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 290, with Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar finishing with figures of 3-52 and 3-85 respectively.
Forced to bat again, Sri Lanka saw an early departure for Lahiru Udara. However, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamil Mishara stabilized the innings with a 58-run partnership before Ravindra Jadeja trapped Mishara lbw for 32. Sooriyabandara then found a steady partner in Kamindu Mendis. The pair put together a crucial 116-run stand, with Sooriyabandara recording his second fifty of the match—a feat not achieved by a Sri Lankan at the SSC since 2018—and Mendis securing his first half-century against India.
The momentum shifted back to India when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Mendis, who was caught by a running Shubman Gill at square leg. By tea, the hosts had reached 199 for 3, trailing by only 14 runs. However, the final session saw the Sri Lankan resistance crumble. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who had struck a six off Suthar, fell shortly after when he miscued a delivery to Devdutt Padikkal at gully.
The pivotal moment came when Sooriyabandara, having batted brilliantly for 92, charged at Suthar and missed, allowing Rishabh Pant to complete a stumping. Saransh Jain then trapped Niroshan Dickwella lbw, leaving the hosts at 218 for 6. As light faded and rain began to fall, Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha remained at the crease until early stumps were called. India currently holds a commanding position, with the match set for a decisive final day.
Brief scores: India 503/9 declared; Sri Lanka 290 (Sonal Dinusha 103, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 80; Prasidh Krishna 3-52, Manav Suthar 3-85) & 229/6 (f/o) (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 92, Kamindu Mendis 55; Manav Suthar 2-81) lead by 16 runs. The report also notes that and after being asked to follow on, Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis’ century stand gave Sri Lanka a stronger chance of saving the Test, dinusha’s century helped Sri Lanka reduce the first-innings deficit to 213 runs. The report also notes that bowled out for 290 and asked to bat again, Sri Lanka ended Day 4 of the second Test at the SSC on 229 for 6, leading by 16 runs. The report also notes that while Suthar added two more in the second to help India maintain control of the Test, prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar took three wickets apiece in the first innings. The report also notes that as he miscued a lofted shot towards deep cover and Dhruv Jurel took an excellent low catch, but the attacking approach brought about his downfall two balls later. The report also notes that with the outside edge carrying safely to Rahul at slip as Dinusha was dismissed for 103, giving India a lead of 213, the offspinner tossed one up outside off and drew the left-hander into a forward push. The report also notes that his first half-century against India, as the third wicket pair extended the partnership past 100, with the deficit falling below 50, mendis followed him to fifty with a six off Prasidh.
