Sawt Falasteen - India in command despite Sooriyabandara half-century

At the break Sooriyabandara was batting on 65 with Dhananjaya de Silva on four, with Sri Lanka trailing by 373 runs after India posted 503-9 declared in their first innings.

Resuming on their overnight score of 8-2, Sri Lanka were in early trouble when debutant Kamil Mishara (19) edged Prasidh Krishna behind to the wicketkeeper.

Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) fought back with an 87-run stand for the fourth wicket before Mendis was dismissed seven minutes before lunch.

Mendis had a nervous start but soon adapted against the spinners.

India then switched back to seam and Krishna made the breakthrough when Mendis hit one straight to short mid-wicket. It was Krishna's third wicket in the innings.

Sooriyabandara, a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, demonstrated some elegant stroke play and was positive in his approach.

The 26-year-old, brought in as a concussion substitute in the opening match in Galle for his Test debut, drove the quicks crisply square of the wicket while using his feet effectively against spin.

Play started 15 minutes early on day three after only 56 overs were possible on Monday due to rain.

India lead the two-match series 1-0, having won the Galle Test by 165 runs.

M.AlAhmad--SF-PST