Sri Lanka Fight Back on Day 4 After Follow-On Against India in Colombo

A resilient batting effort from Sri Lanka on the fourth day of the second Test against India saw the hosts overcome a significant first-innings deficit at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. After being asked to follow on by Indian captain Shubman Gill, the hosts reached 229 for 6 in their second innings, establishing a 16-run lead before rain brought an early end to play.

What Happened

The fourth day resumed with Sri Lanka batting in their first innings. Indian debutant spinner Saransh Jain claimed the final two wickets to wrap up the home side’s innings at 290. Facing a 203-run deficit against India’s declared total of 503 for 9, Sri Lanka were asked to follow on by Shubman Gill.

Despite losing early wickets in their second innings, the Dhananjaya de Silva-led side responded with determination. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and vice-captain Kamindu Mendis combined for a 115-run partnership to stabilise the innings. Sooriyabandara, who had scored 80 in the first innings, struck 92 runs featuring ten boundaries and a six before falling to Manav Suthar just short of a maiden Test century. Kamindu Mendis contributed 55 runs to the recovery.

India fought back late in the day as Saransh Jain bowled 17.4 overs, conceding 55 runs while taking the key wicket of Niroshan Dickwella. Across the day, Jain claimed three wickets, earning his maiden international scalp. Manav Suthar also took 2 for 81. Inclement weather intervened in the final session, enforcing early stumps with Sri Lanka ahead by 16 runs with four wickets in hand.

Key Highlights

• India declared their first innings at 503 for 9.
• Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings, with Sonal Dinusha scoring 103 and Pasindu Sooriyabandara adding 80.
• Shubman Gill enforced the follow-on after India secured a 203-run lead.
• Pasindu Sooriyabandara top-scored in the second innings with 92, partnering Kamindu Mendis (55) in a 115-run stand.
• Debutant Saransh Jain took three wickets across the day, including his maiden international dismissal.
• Sri Lanka ended Day 4 at 229 for 6, holding a 16-run lead before rain forced an early close.

Why This Matters

Sri Lanka’s fightback prevented an innings defeat and wiped out India’s commanding lead. Although India picked up crucial wickets in the final hour to stay in contention, Sri Lanka’s 16-run advantage leaves the outcome open heading into the final day of the Test match.

What to Watch Next

The match enters its fifth and final day with Sri Lanka aiming to extend their 16-run lead with four wickets remaining, while India will look to quickly dismiss the remaining batters to chase a target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the scores at stumps on Day 4?

India declared their first innings at 503 for 9. Sri Lanka scored 290 in their first innings and reached 229 for 6 in their second innings following on, leading by 16 runs.

Why was play stopped early on the fourth day?

Play was brought to an early conclusion due to rain at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

Who were the standout individual performers on Day 4?

For Sri Lanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 92 and Kamindu Mendis made 55. For India, debutant Saransh Jain took three wickets on the day, and Manav Suthar took 2 for 81 in the second innings.

Source: CricTracker