Sooriyabandara Leads Resolute Sri Lanka Fightback in Second Test Against India
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka showcased remarkable grit on the penultimate day of the second Test, staging a determined recovery to stay in contention after being forced to follow on by a dominant India.
Facing a daunting 213-run first-innings deficit, the hosts finished the day at 199-3, trailing India by just 14 runs with seven wickets remaining. The resistance was headlined by Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 90.
Sooriyabandara, who had stepped in as a concussion substitute for veteran Dinesh Chandimal during the series opener, has proven to be the find of the tour. After scoring 80 in the first innings, the young batter continued his rich vein of form, demonstrating exceptional footwork against India’s spin quartet. While he benefited from a slice of luck—surviving dropped catches on 17 and 22—his composure proved vital for the home side.
The backbone of the Sri Lankan reply was a 115-run partnership between Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis. The duo frustrated the Indian bowling attack until a moment of individual brilliance broke the stand. Mendis, who had looked comfortable during his knock of 55, was dismissed by a spectacular catch from Indian captain Shubman Gill, who sprinted back to pouch the ball just before it touched the turf.
Earlier in the day, India solidified their superiority by wrapping up the Sri Lankan first innings. Resuming from their overnight score of 265-8 in response to India’s massive 503-9 declared, the hosts were bundled out for 290.
Sonal Dinusha provided a final flourish for the home team. Following his maiden century and an 84 in the opening Test, Dinusha once again anchored the tail to reach a hard-fought 103 before he was the final man dismissed.
With the match delicately poised, the upcoming final session promises a tense finish as India looks to break the remaining resistance and secure a series win, while Sri Lanka aims to bat themselves into a position of safety. The outcome of this follow-on scenario remains the focal point of a gripping contest.
© 2026 AFP
