Sri Lanka facing follow on at SSC
by Rex Clementine Sri Lanka were fighting hard to avoid the follow on when rain brought an early end to play on day three of the second Test against India, with the hosts on 265 for eight at SSC yesterday. Sri Lanka still need a further 39 runs to avoid being asked to bat again, […]
Sri Lanka faced the possibility of a follow-on during the second day's play of the second Test against India at SSC. The hosts were on 265 for eight, and needed 39 more runs to avoid the follow-on. India held a first innings lead of 238 runs. Due to rain, only 80.4 overs were possible, leaving Sri Lanka staring down the barrel at 173 for seven.
Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed for a duck, giving India the opportunity to enforce the follow-on. However, Sonal Dinusha's partnership with Keshara Nuwantha thwarted the tourists. India made the breakthrough after tea, but Dinusha found support from Lahiru Kumara, who batted for over an hour and added 35 runs for the ninth wicket.
The pitch remained favorable for batting, and Sri Lanka's lower order put up a strong resistance. Dinusha, who scored 100 and 84 in the first Test, continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 85. Sri Lanka resumed on their overnight score of eight for two, losing two wickets before India added three more wickets after lunch. Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, taking three wickets. India leads the two-match series 1-0, having won the first Test in Galle by 165 runs.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
