Internet Desk: The hosts Sri Lanka came up with a late fight-back thanks to some brilliant batting by Kusal Mendis (110) and Dimuth Karunaratne (92*) as they reach 209 for 2 at the end of Day 3 of the second Cricket against India at Colombo today. The Lankan’s are following on in the second innings and they are still trailing by 230 runs.
Earlier, after starting the day’s play on 50 for 2 in the first innings, the hosts fell like a pack of cards thanks to some brilliant bowling by India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (5/69) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/84). The hosts were bundled out by 183 and the India skipper Virat Kohli choose enforce the follow-on on the hosts. Sri Lanka lost their one opener Upul Tharanga (2) as Umesh Yadav bowled him with a beauty of a delivery. The Lankan’s lost their first wicket on 7 runs but Mendis and Karunaratne fought back well for the side as they shared a partnership of 191 runs for the second wicket to give some hope to the hosts.
India’s star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya took the crucial wicket of Kusal Mendis just a few moments ahead of the end of day’s play. Nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara (2*) is now at the crease along with Dimuth Karunaratne (92*).
Though India still has the advantage in the game, but India skipper must not forget what happened to the mighty Australians at Eden Gardens during the second Test back in 2001. The visitors must look for quick wickets when they will be back on field tomorrow.