India vs Sri Lanka Live Score, 2nd Test Day 4: Rain interrupted play during the fourth day of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, with Sri Lanka managing to move into a lead of 16 runs. The weather interruption came at a critical period of the match, after India had earlier got the upper hand on Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka’s fight back in the match, and the weather was on strong ground.
Sri Lanka’s second innings received a big boost from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis who put together a century partnership to frustrate the Indian bowling attack. The pair showed patience as well as aggression, and Sri Lanka stayed in the game and gradually turned the pressure back on the visitors.
Sooriyabandara Continues Impressive Run
Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been once more one of Sri Lanka’s key performers with the bat. The right-handed batsman got 90 off 157 deliveries to take himself close to a century.
Sooriyabandara’s innings was so crucial as he was able to absorb pressure but still score. His partnership with Mendis gave Sri Lanka the stability after losing wickets and the hosts were able to take a lead over India.
The batter’s ability to occupy the crease for a long time has been a key feature of Sri Lanka’s effort in Colombo. His presence at the crease could be crucial for deciding how big a target India will have to chase down on the timeline.
Kamindu Mendis Falls After Century Stand
Kamindu Mendis also played a key role in Sri Lanka’s fightback before his innings came to an end on 55. The batter appeared confident at the crease and played a critical role in the century partnership with Sooriyabandara.
But Mendis’ innings ended in spectacular fashion when India captain Shubman Gill took a brilliant catch. The dismissal provided India with a much-needed breakthrough at a time when the partnership was beginning to put the visitors under pressure.
Gill’s athletic effort brought India new energy and ended a very good partnership for Sri Lanka. The Indian team were looking for a wicket to disrupt the momentum, and the captain did a great job of fielding.
Mendis’ dismissal could be especially significant as Sri Lanka had established a strong foundation through the partnership. His departure leaves Sooriyabandara with the task of continuing the innings and helping Sri Lanka add as many runs as possible.
Rain Disrupts Crucial Phase
At the same time that the match was getting at the verge of being a fine match, rain intervened and forced play to be interrupted. Weather has added a further layer of uncertainty to a Test that is already finely balanced.
For India, the interruption may allow them to regroup and plan for the rest of the innings. Once play is resumed, the visitors will look forward to returning with renewed intensity to pick up quick wickets.
Sri Lanka will hope the break doesn’t disrupt their momentum. Sooriyabandara is approaching his century and the team already has a 16-run lead; the hosts can still hope to improve on it and eventually create a tough challenge for India.
India faces Crucial Bowling Phase.
The Indian bowling attack now faces an important period once play resumes. Sooriyabandara will be a priority as the batter is in a good position and could create another big partnership.
India will also need to ensure that the lower order does not add too many runs. In a Test match in which every run is significant, Sri Lanka’s eventual lead could have a big impact on the outcome.
The visitors will be hoping the rain delay is short and they can make the most of the conditions when play resumes. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will try to consolidate their position and push their lead well beyond the 16 runs.
With Sooriyabandara on 90 and the match moving towards a potentially decisive phase, the remainder of Day 4 will be crucial. India needs wickets, while Sri Lanka will be trying to build a big lead before giving the task back to the visitors.
