India gained an upperhand in the second Test against Sri Lanka by taking a handy 87-run first innings lead despite a fighting century by rival skipper Angelo Mathews in Colombo on Saturday.
Resuming at the overnight score of 140 for three, the hosts were cruising along comfortably with Mathews (102) and Lahiru Thirimanne (62) adding 127 runs for the fourth wicket before losing seven wickets for a mere 65 runs on an engrossing third day's play.
The hosts were bowled out for 306 shortly after the tea break with leg-spinner Amit Mishra being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-43 in 21 overs.
Mishra was well complemented by Ishnat Sharma (2-68) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2-76) as they turned the tide just when it looked like Sri Lanka were on course of a decent first innings total.
With two full days left, India will push for a series leveling win by setting a big target for the hosts on a tricky fifth day P Sara Oval track. The track which has already shown signs of wear and tear with the spinners getting enough turn to make batting difficult on the final two days.
India lost first innings centurion KL Rahul (2) in the very first over being bowled by Dhamika Prasad but Murali Vijay (39 batting) and Ajinkya Rahane (28 batting) ensured that there were no further setbacks by taking the score to 70 for one and extending the overall lead to 157 runs.
Earlier, Lanka were placed at 298-7 at tea, thanks to skipper Angelo Mathews’ Test hundred. But India wrapped up their innings within five overs after the tea break.
Jehan Mubarak (22) was bowled by Mishra in the first over itself, and then Ashwin trapped Rangana Herath (1) leg before three overs later. Tharindu Kaushal (6) was last man out in the 108th over, stumped off Mishra again.
Before tea, there were a couple rain breaks. The first one immediately after play had resumed post-lunch. But it wasn’t a long one as compared to the showers couple overs later. That cost a loss of 33 minutes and play was extended for the session, and later for the day.
