Sri Lanka reached a narrow 16-run lead after following on, setting up a tense final day in Colombo with four wickets remaining.
India retained the upper hand against Sri Lanka despite a spirited fightback from the hosts on the fourth day of the Test in Colombo. After being forced to follow on, Sri Lanka recovered through impressive contributions from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis before losing several late wickets.
At stumps, Sri Lanka had moved 16 runs ahead of India with four wickets still remaining. Rain eventually interrupted play, adding further uncertainty to a closely contested final day in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Sonal Dinusha Completes Century
Sri Lanka began the day needing to avoid the follow-on, with Sonal Dinusha approaching his century. He was initially given out lbw to debutant Saransh Jain, but a successful review showed the delivery would have missed the stumps.
Dinusha capitalised on the reprieve, hitting Jain for a six and a four shortly afterward. He eventually completed his second century of the series, scoring 103 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 290.
Jain claimed both remaining wickets to finish with his first Test wickets, while Sri Lanka fell just 14 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.
Sooriyabandara Leads Sri Lankan Recovery
India enforced the follow-on, and Mohammed Siraj quickly dismissed Lahiru Udara for three. However, Kamil Mishara and Sooriyabandara helped Sri Lanka regain momentum.
Mishara scored 32 before Ravindra Jadeja removed him, while Sooriyabandara continued attacking India’s bowlers. He reached another half-century in the match and formed a crucial 115-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis.
Mendis contributed 55 before Shubman Gill completed an excellent catch to end the partnership.
Sooriyabandara looked set for a century but fell for 92 after stepping out against Suthar. Rishabh Pant completed a sharp stumping, giving India a vital breakthrough.
Rain Sets Up Tense Final Day
Sri Lanka lost further wickets late in the innings, but managed to establish a 16-run advantage before rain ended play prematurely.
With four wickets remaining, the final day could prove decisive. India will look to finish the innings quickly, while Sri Lanka will aim to extend its lead and put pressure on the visitors. Weather conditions could also play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the India vs Sri Lanka Test.