Sri Lanka Fight Back on Day 3 After India Claim Six Wickets in Colombo Test

Day 3 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo saw competitive exchanges before rain forced an early close of play during the final hour. Sri Lanka reached 265 for 8 at stumps, trailing India’s declared first-innings total of 503 for 9 by 238 runs. Half-centuries from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha led the hosts’ fightback after Indian bowlers made regular inroads.

What Happened

India entered the third day holding a commanding position following their first-innings total of 503 for 9 declared, which was built on centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (117) and Dhruv Jurel (115 not out). Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna struck early in the morning session, removing Kamil Mishara and then dismissing Kamindu Mendis via a catch. Krishna ended the day with bowling figures of 3 for 47 from 14 overs, adding to his earlier dismissal of Lahiru Udara.

Sri Lanka countered through Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who compiled 80 runs from 133 deliveries to register his maiden Test half-century. His innings concluded when he chopped a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja onto his stumps. Following Sooriyabandara’s dismissal, Sonal Dinusha took charge at number seven, using sweep shots against India’s spin attack to stabilize the lower order. Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85 off 137 deliveries when rain halted play. Alongside Krishna’s three wickets, spinner Manav Suthar claimed 3 for 83 from 21 overs as India picked up six wickets on the day while Sri Lanka added 257 runs to their overnight total.

Key Highlights

• Sri Lanka closed Day 3 on 265 for 8, trailing India by 238 runs after rain prompted an early call of stumps in the final hour.
• Sonal Dinusha remained not out on 85 off 137 deliveries, featuring key partnerships with the lower order.
• Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored a maiden Test half-century with 80 runs off 133 balls before being bowled by Ravindra Jadeja.
• Prasidh Krishna picked up two morning wickets (Kamil Mishara and Kamindu Mendis) to return figures of 3 for 47.
• Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar took 3 for 83 in 21 overs for the visitors.
• Sonal Dinusha became only the second Sri Lankan batter, alongside Duleep Mendis, to register three consecutive fifty-plus scores across his first three Test innings against India.

Why This Matters

Sri Lanka’s lower-middle order resistance narrowed the deficit and extended the match into the fourth day despite early inroads from the Indian bowling attack. By reaching 265 for 8, Sri Lanka reduced the first-innings deficit to 238 runs, keeping two wickets in hand. Dinusha’s milestone also places him alongside Duleep Mendis in the record books for consistent run-scoring in consecutive Test innings against India.

What to Watch Next

Sri Lanka will resume their first innings on Day 4 with Sonal Dinusha on 85 not out, pursuing his second consecutive Test hundred. India require two wickets to end the home side’s first innings and determine whether to enforce the follow-on or bat again with their remaining lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the brief scores at stumps on Day 3?

India scored 503 for 9 declared in their first innings. In reply, Sri Lanka stood at 265 for 8 after 85-plus overs, trailing by 238 runs.

Why did Day 3 finish earlier than scheduled?

Play was called off during the final hour of Day 3 due to rain at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

Who were the top wicket-takers for India on Day 3?

Prasidh Krishna took 3 for 47 and Manav Suthar took 3 for 83, accounting for six of Sri Lanka’s eight wickets alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s breakthrough.

Source: Match details and statistics reported by Crictracker.