India close to series win as Sri Lanka cling to 16-run lead

Sri Lanka ended the fourth day of the second Test against India on 229 for 6, holding a slender 16-run lead after being forced to follow on. With only four wickets remaining, India are now in a strong position to wrap up the series 2-0.

Sri Lanka had been bowled out for 290 in their first innings, trailing India by 238 runs. Sonal Dinusha’s century helped reduce the deficit, but India retained control of the match.

After being asked to follow on, Sri Lanka showed greater resistance in their second innings. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis added 116 runs for the fourth wicket, giving the hosts hope of saving the Test. Mendis made 55, while Sooriyabandara scored 92.

Sooriyabandara had earlier made 80 in the first innings and became the first Sri Lankan batter since Danushka Gunathilaka in 2018 to score two fifties in the same Test at Colombo’s SSC Ground.

However, India struck back in the final session, removing wickets at regular intervals to regain control. Manav Suthar has taken two wickets so far.

Dinusha, who scored 103 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on seven alongside Keshara Nuwantha on three at the close of play.

Sri Lanka need 17 more runs to make India bat again, but with only four wickets left, the visitors remain favourites to secure a series victory.

sks