With Team India eyeing a series-clinching victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Day 4 could prove decisive. India remain in a strong position, with a 238-run lead and Sri Lanka having only two wickets left. However, persistent rain could once again disrupt India’s push for victory.
Play is expected to begin at 9:45 AM local time, 15 minutes earlier than the usual start, in an attempt to make up for the overs lost on the previous day. However, the weather forecast remains a major concern. The chances of rain in the morning stand at 88%, with cloud cover expected to be around 96%.
The conditions may not improve much as the day progresses. The probability of precipitation is expected to remain around 70% in the afternoon, while cloud cover could rise to 98%. Even during the evening, the chances of rain are expected to remain above 50%.
With the weather likely to remain unsettled, fans could be in for another rain-affected day in Colombo. India will therefore be keen to make the most of every available over and dismiss Sri Lanka’s remaining two batters as quickly as possible.
Captain Shubman Gill will want his bowlers to finish the job at the earliest opportunity. If Sri Lanka are bowled out without avoiding the follow-on, India could also consider enforcing it in a bid to push for a result despite the threat of further rain.
IND vs SL, 2nd Test, Day 4: Sonal Dinusha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara lead Sri Lanka’s fightback
After India declared on 503/9, Sri Lanka faced a daunting task in their first innings. Their problems increased when they slipped to 8/2 late on Day 2.
However, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha provided some much-needed resistance. Sooriyabandara scored a valuable 80, while Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85 as the pair took calculated risks to reduce Sri Lanka’s deficit.
Sri Lanka did lose a few important wickets along the way, including that of Kamindu Mendis, who appeared well set before being dismissed for 32.
For India, Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar were the standout bowlers, picking up three wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket apiece.
Lahiru Kumara also played an important role with the bat, showing plenty of patience by facing 50 deliveries and helping Sri Lanka survive until the end of the day’s play.
With rain bringing an early end to Day 3, India will hope for enough playing time on Day 4 to complete the job. However, the weather could once again have the final say in Colombo.
