Bowlers dominate proceedings as India stay in control after rain-plagued Day 3

As the third day went by, Team India stayed firmly in control of the ongoing Test despite rain marring a significant part of play.

The ongoing Colombo Test saw the Indian bowlers putting up a solid show on Day 3 as they claimed six wickets despite a tug-of-war between Sonal Dinusha’s persistence and intermittent rains.

Starting the day at 8/2, Sri Lanka had a wee stutter with Prasidh Krishna claiming the prized scalp of Kamil Mishara (19). However, the hosts pushed back emphatically through Pasindu Sooriyabandara (80) and Kamindu Mendis (32). The two added 87 runs for the fourth wicket and steadied the ship for Sri Lanka.

Prasidh Krishna added another scalp to his tally as he rattled the stand with the wicket of Kamindu Mendis. Manav Suthar doubled down on the Indian charge, dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva (8). Sooriyabandara looked in good control still he was in the center and forged the spine of the Lankan resistance. He joined forces with Sonal Dinusha who has been in great shape throughout the series.

Just when the partnership was finding its stride, Jadeja breached through the defences of Sooriyabandara. From thereon it was all about Sonal Dinusha fighting hard as he stayed unbeaten for 85 by the time the rain gods interrupted again. With lights on the lower side and drizzle in the air, the umpires decided to call it day. By the end of it all, Sri Lanka were posted at 265/8. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar hunted in pair with three wickets apiece.

Brief scores:

India – 503/9 (Devdutt Padikkal – 117, Dhruv Jurel – 115*, Asitha Fernando – 4/106)

Sri Lanka – 265/8 (Sonal Dinusha – 85*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara – 80, Prasidh Krishna – 3/47)

Sri Lanka trail by 238 runs