Sri Lanka Fight Back but India Stay in Control on Day 3

Colombo, Aug 2026 : Sri Lanka mounted a spirited resistance on the third day of the second Test against India, reaching 265/8 before rain and fading light forced an early close at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Despite the determined fightback, India remained firmly in control with a substantial 238-run lead heading into the fourth day.

Sri Lanka added 257 runs during the day while losing six wickets, with the lower order displaying considerable resilience against an Indian bowling attack that had dominated large portions of the innings. With only two wickets remaining, India will be confident of wrapping up the Sri Lankan innings quickly when play resumes.

The standout performer for the hosts was Sonal Dinusha, who continued his impressive start to Test cricket against India. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 84, displaying remarkable patience and composure throughout his innings. He negotiated the Indian spinners effectively and frequently used the sweep shot to counter the pressure.

Dinusha's performance also helped him achieve a notable milestone. He registered his third consecutive fifty-plus score in his first three Test innings against India, becoming only the second Sri Lankan batter after Duleep Mendis to accomplish the feat.

Dinusha received valuable support from Keshara Nuwantha, who battled for 74 deliveries to score 18. The pair frustrated India's bowlers for a considerable period before Manav Suthar finally ended their partnership in the 69th over.

Nuwantha attempted an ambitious drive against Suthar but failed to clear the infield, picking out Saransh Jain at mid-off. The dismissal gave India their eighth wicket and appeared to open the door for the visitors to finish the innings.

However, Dinusha remained unmoved. He was joined by Lahiru Kumara, and the pair negotiated the final stages of the day's play with determination. Kumara contributed an unbeaten eight as Sri Lanka successfully prevented India from claiming the remaining two wickets before the weather intervened.

India's bowlers had to work hard throughout the day for their breakthroughs. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar claimed three wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja took one. Saransh Jain bowled an extended spell without claiming a wicket but continued to trouble Sri Lankan batters with turn and bounce.

India's prospects of ending the innings improved when the second new ball became available late in the day. However, deteriorating light prevented the fast bowlers from making full use of the conditions. India instead relied on spin from both ends, with Jadeja and Jain continuing the attack.

The weather eventually brought proceedings to an abrupt conclusion. Around 5:00 PM local time, rain swept across the ground, forcing the players off the field. Ground staff immediately covered the pitch as dark clouds gathered over the venue.

The umpires subsequently inspected the conditions, but the rain and worsening light showed no signs of improving. With play unable to resume, the officials called stumps at 5:15 PM, ending a day in which Sri Lanka had repeatedly resisted India's attempts to close out the innings.

Dinusha will resume on 84 not out, while Kumara remains unbeaten on eight. Sri Lanka are still 238 runs behind India's imposing first-innings total of 503/9 declared and have only two wickets in hand.

For Sri Lanka, Dinusha's innings and the resistance from the lower order will provide encouragement ahead of the fourth day. However, India remain firmly ahead, with a sizeable lead and two wickets still required to complete the innings.

The visitors will look to strike early when play resumes, secure the remaining wickets and then assess whether conditions are suitable for extending their advantage with the bat.