Sooriyabandara, Mendis lead Sri Lanka fightback after follow-on

The National Times - Sooriyabandara, Mendis lead Sri Lanka fightback after follow-on

SPORTS 26.08.2026

Sooriyabandara, Mendis lead Sri Lanka fightback after follow-on / Photo: © AFP

Sri Lanka staged a spirited recovery after being made to follow on in the second Test against India, reaching 199-3 at tea on day four in Colombo on Wednesday.

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The hosts, who conceded a first-innings lead of 213, trail India by 14 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who replaced veteran Dinesh Chandimal as a concussion substitute in the opener won by India, led Sri Lanka's resistance with an unbeaten 90.

Sooriyabandara, who made 80 in the first innings, used his feet against the Indian spinners but survived two dropped catches on 17 and 22.

He added 115 runs with Kamindu Mendis, who made 55 before India skipper Shubman Gill took a stunning catch while sprinting back to send the left-hander back to the pavilion.

Sri Lanka, who resumed their first innings on 265-8 in response to India's 503-9 declared, were bowled out for 290.

Sonal Dinusha, who followed up his century and 84 in the first Test with another outstanding effort, was the last man dismissed for 103.

N.Taylor--TNT

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The National Times - Sooriyabandara, Mendis lead Sri Lanka fightback after follow-on