India Retain Upper Hand Despite Sri Lanka Fightback | ICC World Test Championship The second Test between India and Sri Lanka in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 reached a critical juncture on the final day of play in Colombo. Sri Lanka, after being asked to follow-on, posted a competitive total of 290, falling 14 runs short of avoiding the follow-on. The match, which saw a dramatic late collapse and intermittent rain, left the hosts with a slender 16-run advantage heading into the final day. The day began with Sri Lanka hoping Sonal Dinusha, on the verge of his second century of the series, could help them avoid the follow-on. Dinusha was initially given out lbw to Saransh Jain on 85, but a successful review overturned the decision, allowing him to continue. The 22-year-old opener then launched a blistering assault on the Indian bowlers, hitting a six and a four in quick succession before reaching his second Test century. His partnership with Lahiru Kumara (12) added 58 runs, but Jain eventually dismissed both to complete his first Test wickets. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290, falling short of the target set by India’s first innings. India’s spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, praised Dinusha’s performance, calling him “a fabulous player” who “understands the conditions and the pitch in Sri Lanka.” He highlighted Dinusha’s ability to rotate the strike and take calculated risks, noting that his innings in Galle and Colombo were “very special” examples of adaptability under pressure. Bahutule also commended the team’s preparation for the follow-on, stating that the decision to enforce it was “very important” given the weather uncertainty. India capitalized on the follow-on, with Mohammed Siraj striking early by dismissing Lahiru Udara (3) for a top-edged pull off a sharp bouncer.#india #sri_lanka #sairaj_bahutule #sonal_dinusha #kamil_mishara
