India regained control on Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after Prasidh Krishna dismissed Kamindu Mendis for 55, ending a crucial 115-run partnership with Pasindu Sooriyabandara. Shubman Gill completed an excellent catch to send Mendis back, giving India a much-needed breakthrough after Sri Lanka had mounted a strong fightback in their second innings.
Sri Lanka were following on after being bowled out for 290 in their first innings, conceding a 213-run lead to India. India had earlier declared on 503/9, powered by centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. Sri Lanka's first-innings resistance came largely through Sonal Dinusha, who scored 103, while Sooriyabandara contributed 80.
Sri Lanka fight back after early blows
India had made an encouraging start to Sri Lanka's second innings. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Lahiru Udara early, while Ravindra Jadeja removed debutant Kamil Mishara as Sri Lanka slipped to 83/2 at lunch.
The situation changed significantly after the break. Sooriyabandara and Mendis settled in and began taking the attack to the Indian bowlers. Their partnership crossed 50 and then 100 as Sri Lanka steadily reduced India's first-innings advantage.
Mendis brought up his half-century with a six off Prasidh Krishna, while Sooriyabandara also reached his fifty during the partnership.
Prasidh Krishna provides crucial breakthrough
With India's spinners struggling to create consistent pressure, Gill brought Krishna back into the attack. The move paid off when Mendis attempted to take on a short delivery but failed to clear the field.
Gill moved quickly to complete an outstanding catch, ending Mendis' innings at 55. Krishna's wicket also brought an end to the 115-run stand, which had temporarily shifted the momentum towards Sri Lanka.
India still hold sizeable advantage
Despite Sri Lanka's resistance, India remain firmly ahead in the Test. The hosts began their second innings 213 runs behind and were still trailing by less than 100 runs during the partnership.
India's first-innings bowling had already produced a strong collective performance. Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets each, while debutant Saransh Jain picked up two wickets. Sri Lanka's first innings ended at 290, 14 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.
Sooriyabandara keeps Sri Lanka fighting
Sooriyabandara has been central to Sri Lanka's second-innings recovery. After scoring 80 in the first innings, he continued his resistance in the second innings alongside Mendis.
The pair absorbed India's initial pressure and attacked when opportunities appeared. At one stage, Sooriyabandara smashed Suthar for a six immediately after an edge had fallen short of a vacant first-slip position.
India will now look to break the remaining resistance quickly and wrap up the innings before Sri Lanka can build a challenging target.
