India strengthened their position in the second Test against Sri Lanka after a dramatic final session was cut short by heavy rain. The visitors claimed three crucial wickets before the weather brought play to an early close, leaving Sri Lanka with a slender 16-run lead and India just four wickets away from wrapping up the match.
The rain intensified as the day progressed, making a restart impossible and forcing the umpires to call off play. Despite the interruption, India will be pleased with how they finished the day after finding a way back into the contest when Sri Lanka appeared to be building a strong position.
Sri Lanka show greater fight in second innings
India had begun the day firmly in control after dismissing Sri Lanka for 290 in their first innings. Sonal Dinusha‘s century was the highlight for the hosts, but India quickly finished off the tail and opted to enforce the follow-on.
Sri Lanka, however, responded with considerably more determination in their second innings. Their top order displayed greater patience and made India work hard for every breakthrough.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara once again stood out for the hosts. After making 80 in the first innings, he followed it up with an impressive 92 in the second. His composure at the crease gave Sri Lanka hope of building a significant lead and putting India under pressure.
Sooriyabandara found a reliable partner in Kamindu Mendis, with the pair putting together a stubborn partnership that threatened to shift the momentum firmly towards Sri Lanka.
Shubman Gill produces a crucial breakthrough
Just when Sri Lanka seemed to be settling into a commanding position, India found the opening they desperately needed. Mendis attempted an attacking stroke but failed to control his shot, giving Shubman Gill a difficult opportunity in the field. Gill covered ground quickly and completed an excellent running catch near square leg, bringing an important partnership to an end.
The dismissal proved to be a major turning point. India suddenly found renewed energy and began making regular inroads into the Sri Lankan batting order. The visitors picked up three wickets during the session, preventing the hosts from adding another substantial partnership. What had looked like a potentially dominant Sri Lankan passage of play quickly turned into a fight for survival.
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India eye victory on Day 5
Sri Lanka currently hold a 16-run lead, meaning India need only four more wickets to finish the job. The second new ball is also less than eight overs away, giving the visitors another potential weapon when play resumes.
Rain, however, remains the biggest threat to India’s hopes of securing victory. More showers are expected on the fifth day, although there should still be enough time for India to force a result if the weather provides a reasonable window for play.
With Sri Lanka’s lead still minimal and India firmly in control of the situation, the final day could produce a fascinating finish. The visitors will hope to strike early in the morning session and complete what would be a memorable victory in Colombo.
Play has been called off for the day. The rain has become heavier and there was no chance that the ground could be readied for a restart 🌧🌧
SL: 229/6, lead by 16 runs ✔#SLvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/7MQaq0rkpq
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 26, 2026
