Sri Lanka ended day three of the second Test at 265 for eight, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 85 and Lahiru Kumara on eight. Rain and bad light forced an early close at the SSC ground. Sri Lanka still need 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine.
Dinusha produced a stubborn 201-minute stay, registering his third fifty-plus score of the series. He added 57 with Keshara Nuwantha and 35 unbeaten runs with Kumara for the ninth wicket. His resistance frustrated India, who again struggled to finish off the tail.
India had reduced Sri Lanka to 216 for seven by tea after taking four wickets for 86 runs in the middle session. Manav Suthar dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva, while Ravindra Jadeja removed the dangerous Pasindu Sooriyabandara for 80. Mohammad Siraj then accounted for Niroshan Dickwella as India looked set to wrap up the innings.
Sri Lanka had earlier fought back through Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis, who added 87 for the third wicket. Sooriyabandara struck a composed maiden Test fifty before Prasidh Krishna broke the stand by dismissing Mendis. Krishna had earlier removed Kamil Mishara, but India could not sustain the pressure.
Dinusha's unbeaten 85 has given Sri Lanka renewed hope of avoiding the follow-on. India will now look to finish the innings quickly when play resumes on day four. The first few overs could prove crucial with just 38 runs separating Sri Lanka from the follow-on mark.
