India’s bowlers tightened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka on a rain-affected third day at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 25, 2026. Responding to India’s imposing first-innings total of 503 for 9 declared, the hosts reached 265 for 8 when bad light and rain forced an early close. Sri Lanka still trail by 238 runs, with only two wickets remaining and the follow-on mark still some distance away.
The Sony LIV highlights of Day 3 capture the disciplined bowling effort led by Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar, the resistance offered by Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, and the interruptions that shortened the day’s play.
Indian Bowlers Seize Control as Sri Lanka Struggle on Rain-Hit Day 3 of Second Test
Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
Sri Lanka resumed the day on a precarious 8 for 2. Prasidh Krishna, who had already claimed a wicket late on Day 2, struck early. He found extra bounce to dismiss debutant Kamil Mishara for 19, the edge safely held by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. That reduced the hosts to 35 for 3 and left India firmly on top.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis then provided the first significant resistance. The pair added a valuable partnership that frustrated the Indian attack through the morning session. Krishna eventually broke the stand, forcing Mendis into a pull that was taken by Ravindra Jadeja. The breakthrough shifted momentum back towards India.
Spinners and Seamers Share the Load
Manav Suthar bowled the bulk of the overs among the spinners and claimed three wickets. He removed captain Dhananjaya de Silva cheaply and later accounted for Keshara Nuwantha. Mohammed Siraj chipped in by dismissing Niroshan Dickwella for a duck, while Jadeja eventually ended Sooriyabandara’s determined innings of 80 by bowling him.
Prasidh Krishna finished with figures of 3 for 47 from 14 overs, providing the pace and bounce that repeatedly troubled the Sri Lankan batters. Suthar’s 3 for 83 from 21 overs underlined his importance on a surface that offered only modest assistance. No single bowler dominated throughout, but the collective pressure prevented Sri Lanka from building the big partnerships they needed.
Dinusha Leads the Resistance
Sonal Dinusha emerged as Sri Lanka’s standout performer on the day. Unbeaten on 85 off 137 balls at the close, the all-rounder showed the application and temperament that had already earned him a century in the first Test at Galle. He added useful stands with Nuwantha and later with Lahiru Kumara, ensuring the innings did not collapse entirely.
Sooriyabandara’s 80 was equally valuable. He looked composed against both pace and spin and helped stabilise the innings after the early losses. Their efforts kept India from enforcing a follow-on by a huge margin, although the deficit remains substantial.
Day 3 Score Snapshot
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasindu Sooriyabandara | 80 | 133 | b Jadeja |
| Sonal Dinusha | 85* | 137 | not out |
| Kamindu Mendis | 32 | 58 | c Jadeja b Krishna |
| Keshara Nuwantha | 18 | 74 | c Jain b Suthar |
| Others | – | – | Shared the lower order |
Sri Lanka 265/8 in 83.4 overs (trail by 238 runs)
Bowling: Prasidh Krishna 3/47, Manav Suthar 3/83, Ravindra Jadeja 1/45, Mohammed Siraj 1/33
Rain Interrupts Proceedings
Rain and bad light brought an early end to the day’s play. Sri Lanka still need further runs to avoid the follow-on. India remain in a commanding position with two days left and only two wickets to take in the first innings.
Looking Ahead
India will look to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings quickly on Day 4 and either enforce the follow-on or set up a position from which they can push for a series-clinching victory. The pitch has begun to offer some grip and turn, which should assist the spinners as the match progresses.
For Sri Lanka, the task is clear. Dinusha and the remaining batters must dig deep to reduce the deficit and give their bowlers something to defend. The hosts have shown resilience at times, but consistency has been lacking against a disciplined Indian attack.
The Sony LIV highlights effectively showcase the key phases of Day 3 — the early breakthroughs, the resistance from Sooriyabandara and Dinusha, the shared workload among the Indian bowlers, and the weather interruptions that limited play. India continue to dictate terms in Colombo, while Sri Lanka face an uphill battle to stay competitive in the second Test.
