Archive · 26 Aug 2026
India Nears Series Sweep After Sri Lanka Fightback, Rain
India scored 503 runs and then dismissed Sri Lanka for 290.
Because Sri Lanka was far behind, it had to bat again immediately, which is called following on.
Sri Lanka played much better in its second innings.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 92 runs and Kamindu Mendis scored 55.
Together, they helped Sri Lanka recover with a large partnership.
India then took several more wickets and reduced Sri Lanka to 229 for six.
Sri Lanka was only 16 runs ahead when heavy rain stopped the match.
India needs four more wickets to finish the innings, while Sri Lanka will try to score more runs on the final day.
India declared at 503/9 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 290.
Sri Lanka followed on after conceding a 213-run first-innings lead.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 92 and Kamindu Mendis made 55 in the second innings.
Sri Lanka reached 229/6, leading by 16 runs with four wickets remaining.
Heavy rain ended Day 4 early, leaving India needing four wickets on Thursday.
- Who
- India and Sri Lanka; Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis led Sri Lanka’s second-innings recovery.
- What
- Sri Lanka reached 229/6 after following on and held a 16-run lead.
- When
- The fourth day ended early on Wednesday because of heavy rain, with play scheduled to resume on Thursday.
- Where
- The second Test is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
- Why
- India enforced the follow-on after Sri Lanka was dismissed for 290, 213 runs behind India’s 503/9 declared.
India’s Winning Position
Sri Lanka’s Fight for Survival
Final-day objective
India’s Winning Position
India needs four wickets and will seek to complete a series-sweeping victory quickly.
Sri Lanka’s Fight for Survival
Sri Lanka will try to extend its 16-run lead and make India chase a more difficult target.
Effect of the follow-on
India’s Winning Position
India’s 213-run first-innings lead allowed it to make Sri Lanka bat again and retain control.
Sri Lanka’s Fight for Survival
Sri Lanka’s improved second-innings batting erased the deficit and gave the hosts a narrow lead.
Rain interruption
India’s Winning Position
The early finish delayed India’s effort to close out the match.
Sri Lanka’s Fight for Survival
The lost playing time left Sri Lanka’s remaining batters with an opportunity to build a larger lead.
- India first innings
- 503/9 declared
- Sri Lanka first innings
- 290 all out in 89.4 overs
- Sri Lanka second innings
- 229/6 in 72.4 overs at stumps
- Sri Lanka’s lead
- 16 runs
- Top second-innings scorers
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara 92; Kamindu Mendis 55
- Key partnership
- Sooriyabandara and Mendis added 115 runs for the third wicket; one report described it as 118 runs
- Match situation
- India needs four wickets to win; Sonal Dinusha was 7 not out and Keshara Nuwantha was 3 not out when rain stopped play
Sources
India within four wickets of victory as Sri Lanka lead by 16 runs after rain-hit Day 4
IND vs SL, 2nd Test: Sri Lanka 229/6 at Stumps on Day 4 After Following on Against India
IND vs SL: India Need 4 Wickets To Wrap Up Sri Lanka's Innings As Rain Cuts Short Day 4; Home Side Lead By 16 Runs
IND Vs SL 2nd Test: Sri Lanka Lead By 16 Runs After Follow On, India On Cusp Of 2-0 Whitewash
