India Dominates Second Test on Day 4, Sri Lanka Fights Back

The Cliff News | 26 August 2026

India asserted its dominance on the second Test against Sri Lanka on day four, securing a significant first-innings lead and reducing the hosts to 229 for 6 after enforcing the follow-on. Despite a determined performance from Sri Lanka, particularly with the bat, India's bowlers took crucial wickets to maintain control of the match.

The day began with Sri Lanka resuming their first innings at 265 for 8, trailing by 238 runs. Overnight batsman Sonal Dinusha, who was unbeaten on 85, quickly switched to an aggressive approach. He reached his second century of the series with a boundary off Prasidh Krishna.

Sri Lanka's First Innings Resistance

Fellow batsman Lahiru Kumara also displayed attacking intent, hitting Saransh Jain for four. However, his aggressive stance proved costly as he mistimed a lofted shot, leading to an excellent low catch by Dhruv Jurel at deep cover. This wicket marked Saransh Jain's maiden Test scalp.

Sonal Dinusha's resilient innings came to an end shortly after reaching his century for 103. Off-spinner Saransh Jain claimed his second wicket when Dinusha offered an edge to Rahul at slip, extending India's first-innings lead to a commanding 213 runs.

Follow-on and Second Innings Push

Following on, Sri Lanka made a brisk start to their second innings. Despite losing Lahiru Udara early, Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara attacked the Indian spinners, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain, putting them under pressure. Mishara was particularly aggressive during their 58-run partnership.

The partnership was broken when Ravindra Jadeja trapped Kamil Mishara lbw for 32. Pasindu Sooriyabandara continued to anchor the innings, joined by Kamindu Mendis. The pair steadily shifted the momentum back towards Sri Lanka.

Twin Fifties and a Century Stand

Pasindu Sooriyabandara reached his second fifty of the match, becoming the first Sri Lankan batter since 2018 to score twin fifties at the SSC in a Test. Kamindu Mendis also brought up his fifty, his first against India, with a six off Prasidh Krishna. Their third-wicket partnership flourished, extending beyond 100 runs and reducing the deficit below 50.

India eventually broke the crucial 116-run stand when Prasidh Krishna bowled a short delivery to Kamindu Mendis, who was caught brilliantly by Shubman Gill running at square leg. Following this breakthrough, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Dhananjaya de Silva adopted a more defensive approach to prevent further wickets.

Day 4 Closes with Narrow Lead

By the close of play on Day 4, Sri Lanka had reached 199 for 3, trailing India by just 14 runs. The hosts added 116 runs in 34 overs during the final session, losing only one wicket. Pasindu Sooriyabandara was well into the 90s, poised to resume his innings on the final day.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan spinners Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain had contributed significantly by picking up three wickets in the final session of the day, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle.