COLOMBO : Sri Lanka mounted a brief fightback through half-centuries from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis but India remained firmly on course for a series-sweeping victory in the second and final test on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka ended the fourth day on 229-6, a lead of 16 runs, with four wickets remaining after India enforced the follow-on.
Sooriyabandara made 92 and Mendis 55 in a 115-run third-wicket partnership that briefly revived Sri Lanka’s hopes after they were bowled out for 290 in their first innings.
Once the pair were separated, however, Sri Lanka’s middle order faltered again. Sonal Dinusha, who top-scored with a fluent 103 in the first innings, was unbeaten on seven, with Keshara Nuwantha on three when rain brought an early end to play.
Earlier, debutant spinner Saransh Jain claimed the final two wickets of Sri Lanka’s first innings, prompting India captain Shubman Gill to enforce the follow-on.
Mohammed Siraj dismissed Lahiru Udara in the fourth over before Ravindra Jadeja removed Kamil Mishara for 32.
Sooriyabandara and Mendis then counter-attacked, scoring freely during their century stand.
Sooriyabandara survived a difficult chance when a diving Siraj spilled the ball at deep square leg, while another opportunity fell just short of Jadeja before Gill produced a superb catch to end the partnership.
Mendis top-edged a short delivery from Prasidh Krishna and Gill, stationed at square leg, ran backwards and then sideways before diving to complete the catch.
Sooriyabandara, who made 80 in the first innings of only his second test, appeared on course for a maiden century after successfully reviewing an lbw decision that was overturned.
But his hopes ended when he charged down the track at a wide delivery from spinner Manav Suthar and missed. Rishabh Pant stretched to gather the ball before completing a straightforward stumping.
India now need four wickets to secure victory and complete a series sweep.
