2nd Test: India struggle to finish off tail as Sonal, Pasindu lead Lanka resistance
India's cricket team struggled to dismiss Sri Lanka's lower-order batters on the third day of the second Test in Colombo. Despite early breakthroughs, resilient performances from Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara kept Sri Lanka in the game as they aim to avoid the follow-on.
Why it matters
The match highlights ongoing challenges for the Indian bowling attack in closing out innings against lower-order opposition in international Test cricket.
India missed several chances to finish off Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the second Test as the hosts’ lower order put up a strong fight in Colombo.Led by Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sri Lanka ended the day at 265/8, still 38 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.Sri Lanka's lower order stands firmDinusha remained unbeaten on 85 when rain and bad light brought play to an early close, while Lahiru Kumara was not out on 8. Dinusha continued his excellent run in the series, registering his third score above 50 in as many innings. He battled India’s pace and spin for 201 minutes and refused to give the bowlers an opening.He first added 57 runs with Keshara Nuwantha for the eighth wicket and then put on another 35 with Kumara.
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