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India Tighten Grip on Sri Lanka as Rain Delays Series Victory
COLOMBO, August 26, 2026: India moved within touching distance of a 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka after a dominant fourth day in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. However, persistent rain prevented India from completing what had appeared to be an increasingly likely victory.
India, who declared their first innings at a formidable 503/9, bowled Sri Lanka out for 290, securing a massive 213-run first-innings lead. The hosts were consequently asked to follow on.
Sri Lanka’s resistance was led by Sonal Dinusha, who produced another impressive century. His 103 continued a remarkable run against India, following scores of 100 and 84 in the opening Test. Despite his determined effort, India’s disciplined bowling attack eventually broke through.
Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar were India’s leading wicket-takers in the first innings, claiming three wickets apiece, while debutant Saransh Jain collected the final two wickets.
Sri Lanka’s second innings initially looked precarious after the follow-on, but Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis mounted a spirited counterattack. The pair added 115 runs for the third wicket, giving the hosts renewed hope. Mendis made 55 before falling to Krishna, while Sooriyabandara narrowly missed a maiden Test century, dismissed for 92 after an aggressive attempt against Suthar.
India struck again late in the day, reducing Sri Lanka to 229/6 at stumps. Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha remained unbeaten when heavy rain and bad light brought play to an early close. Sri Lanka therefore held only a 16-run lead, leaving India firmly in control heading into the final day.
India already lead the two-Test series 1-0, following their 165-run victory in Galle. With Sri Lanka six wickets down and the match entering its final day, India remain strong favourites to complete a series sweep, although weather could yet play a decisive role.
