Colombo Test: Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 85 gives Sri Lanka hope, but India remain in control after reducing the hosts to 265/8.

India continued to hold the upper hand in the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka after the hosts reached 265 for eight at the close of the third day. Sonal Dinusha produced a determined unbeaten 85, but Sri Lanka still trail India by 238 runs and remain under pressure to avoid the follow-on.

India had declared their first innings at 503 for nine after a commanding batting performance. In response, Sri Lanka lost two early wickets and struggled to build momentum at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. The home side now face a difficult task of reducing the deficit when play resumes.

Dinusha Leads Sri Lanka’s Fightback

Sonal Dinusha once again showed his ability to score against India. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 85 at stumps and looked increasingly comfortable as his innings progressed.

Dinusha’s latest knock comes after an impressive first Test in Galle, where he scored 100 and 84. India won that match convincingly and took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

During his unbeaten innings in the Colombo Test, Dinusha struck six boundaries and two sixes. His controlled strokeplay helped Sri Lanka recover from a difficult position and prevented India from completely dominating the final session.

Lahiru Kumara was with him at the crease on eight when rain and poor light forced an early conclusion to the day’s play.

Indian Bowlers Keep the Pressure On

India’s bowling attack continued to create problems for the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Prasidh Krishna was among the standout performers, finishing the day with three wickets for 47 runs.

Krishna removed Kamil Mishara for 19 and Kamindu Mendis for 32, putting Sri Lanka under renewed pressure. Manav Suthar also made an important contribution by dismissing captain Dhananjaya de Silva for eight.

Mohammed Siraj added to Sri Lanka’s troubles when Niroshan Dickwella was caught down the leg side without scoring. Suthar later claimed Keshara Nuwantha for 18, keeping India firmly in control.

also read:- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines With The Ball, Grabs Two…

Sooriyabandara Misses Out on Maiden Century

Pasindu Sooriyabandara provided Sri Lanka with another important contribution, scoring 80. The batter had entered the match after making his Test debut as a concussion substitute during the Galle Test.

Sooriyabandara appeared set to guide Sri Lanka towards a stronger position but was dismissed while attempting to cut a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. The ball took a deflection onto his back thigh before rolling onto the stumps and dislodging the bail.

His dismissal was a major setback for Sri Lanka, particularly as he was approaching what could have been his first Test century.

India in the Driver’s Seat

With Sri Lanka still 238 runs behind and only two wickets remaining, India remain in a commanding position in the Colombo Test. The visitors will look to finish off the Sri Lankan innings quickly and put pressure on the hosts with the follow-on possibility still alive.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will hope Dinusha can continue his resistance and help the team close the gap. His wicket could prove crucial when play resumes.

The weather interruption has given Sri Lanka some breathing room, but India remain firmly in control. Unless the home side can produce a substantial lower-order partnership, the Colombo Test could move decisively in India’s favour on the fourth day.

For Sri Lanka, the immediate objective is clear: survive the Indian attack, reduce the deficit and avoid the follow-on. For India, the goal will be to wrap up the innings and push for another comprehensive victory in the series.