India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 3 Results: Sri Lanka 265/8 After Dinusha's Fighting 85*
Sri Lanka showed strong resistance on Day 3 of the second Test against India in Colombo, but India remained firmly in control after another difficult day for the hosts. Sri Lanka reached 265/8 at stumps, still 238 runs behind India's first-innings total of 503/9 declared.
Sonal Dinusha led Sri Lanka's fightback with an unbeaten 85, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara contributed 80. Rain and bad light eventually brought Day 3 to an early conclusion.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 3 Result
India began Day 3 with Sri Lanka on just 8/2 after India's late strikes on Day 2. The hosts faced an enormous deficit after India declared at 503/9, but Sri Lanka's middle and lower order produced a determined response.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to reach 265/8 by the end of the shortened day's play. India therefore retained a 238-run first-innings advantage.
Sonal Dinusha's unbeaten 85 helped Sri Lanka resist India's bowling attack and keep the hosts within 38 runs of avoiding the follow-on when play ended.
Sonal Dinusha Leads Sri Lanka's Resistance
Sonal Dinusha produced the standout innings for Sri Lanka on Day 3. He remained unbeaten on 85 from 137 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.
Sonal Dinusha — 85*
Dinusha once again proved difficult to dismiss, producing a composed innings that kept Sri Lanka alive despite India's sustained pressure. His 85 not out was his third consecutive 50-plus score in the series.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara Scores Maiden Test Fifty
Pasindu Sooriyabandara also played an important role in Sri Lanka's recovery. The young batter scored 80 runs from 133 balls, including nine fours.
Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis put together an important 87-run partnership that helped Sri Lanka recover after their difficult start.
Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar Keep India Ahead
India's bowlers continued to apply pressure throughout the day. Prasidh Krishna finished with 3/47, while Manav Suthar took 3/83. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket each.
Sri Lanka Lose Key Wickets
Prasidh Krishna made an early impact by dismissing Kamil Mishara for 19. He later removed Kamindu Mendis for 32 after the pair had added 87 runs.
Manav Suthar then removed Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 before taking further wickets as India continued to chip away at the batting order.
Niroshan Dickwella was also dismissed without scoring, while Keshara Nuwantha fell for 18. However, Dinusha and Lahiru Kumara survived until the early end of play.
Rishabh Pant Does Not Keep Wicket on Day 3
Rishabh Pant did not take the gloves for India on Day 3 after suffering a bruised shoulder. Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties as a precaution. Pant had already contributed a valuable 63 during India's first innings.
Rain and Bad Light End Day 3 Early
Just as India looked to finish off Sri Lanka's lower order, rain and bad light interrupted play. The players did not return, leaving Sri Lanka on 265/8 at the end of the day.
Dinusha was unbeaten on 85 and Lahiru Kumara was unbeaten on 8 when play was called off. Sri Lanka still require 38 more runs to avoid the follow-on.
India Still in Command After Day 3
Despite Sri Lanka's lower-order resistance, India remain in a commanding position. The visitors lead by 238 runs and need only two more Sri Lankan wickets to complete the first innings.
India's immediate objective on Day 4 will be to dismiss the remaining Sri Lankan batters and decide whether to enforce the follow-on. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will hope Dinusha and Lahiru Kumara can reduce the deficit further.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 3: Key Numbers
- India declared at 503/9.
- Sri Lanka finished Day 3 on 265/8.
- Sri Lanka trail by 238 runs.
- Sonal Dinusha is unbeaten on 85.
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 80.
- Prasidh Krishna took 3/47.
- Manav Suthar took 3/83.
- Sri Lanka need 38 more runs to avoid the follow-on.
What to Expect on Day 4?
Sri Lanka will resume with only two wickets remaining in their first innings. The main target will be to cross the follow-on mark and reduce India's enormous advantage.
India will look to take the final two wickets as quickly as possible before deciding their next move in the Test. With the series already standing at 1-0 in India's favour, the visitors are in a strong position to push for another victory.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 3 Result — At a Glance
Sri Lanka fought hard through the middle and lower order on Day 3, but India remain in a commanding position. With Sri Lanka on 265/8, the hosts still trail by 238 runs and face a difficult Day 4.