India lead Sri Lanka by 266 runs

The match marks the farewell appearance for one of Sri Lanka’s legendary cricketers Kumar Sangakkara.

India scored 393 in their first innings after electing to bat and bowled out Sri Lanka for 306 to gain a lead of 87 runs.

Opener Murali Vijay was undefeated on 39 at stumps, with Ajinkya Ranahe 28 not out.

Resuming the day at 70/1, Vijay and Rahane struck an important 140-run second wicket partnership.

India were 179-3 in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday, an overall lead of 266 runs over Sri Lanka.

Tharindu Kaushal captured the two wickets to fall in the morning after going wicketless for 42 overs and 160 runs on a pitch that has slowed down considerably but offering slow turn.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews scored his sixth test century and was out for 102, supported by half-centuries from Lahiru Thirimanne (62) and Kaushal Silva (51). Tamil Nadu batsman Vijay, who registered his 11th Test fifty, departed after hitting four shots to the fence and two over it from 133 deliveries. While India’s morning run rate was close to five an over before Vijay’s wicket, it dropped to just over three an over thereafter, giving Sri Lanka a bit of hope that they can stem it further with a couple more strikes after lunch.

However, despite a 127-run fourth wicket stand between Mathews and Thirimanne, Sri Lanka’s middle and low order soon crumbled losing their last seven wickets for 65 runs.