New Delhi: India strengthened their position in the second Test against Sri Lanka after enforcing the follow-on on Day 4 in Colombo.
India posted a massive 503/9 declared in their first innings before bowling Sri Lanka out for 290, securing a commanding 213 run lead.
Sonal Dinusha offered strong resistance with a century, but India’s bowlers eventually completed the job.
With a substantial advantage in hand, India chose to enforce the follow-on and immediately put Sri Lanka under pressure for a second time in the match.
Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Lahiru Udara was dismissed for three. Kamil Mishara then made 32 before Ravindra Jadeja removed him, leaving the hosts at 83/2 at lunch.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara remained unbeaten on 35 at the interval, while Kamindu Mendis was not out on 10. Sri Lanka still needed to overcome a 130 run deficit and face a difficult task to save the match.
India’s first innings featured several important contributions, with Dhruv Jurel scoring a century as the visitors crossed the 500 run mark. The Indian bowling attack has also maintained pressure throughout the contest, giving the team a strong chance of completing another comprehensive victory.
India had already won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs. A victory in Colombo would therefore give them a series win and further underline their dominance on the tour.
With Sri Lanka still trailing by 130 runs at lunch, India require eight more wickets to complete an innings victory. The hosts, meanwhile, need a major batting effort to stay alive in the contest and force India to bat again.