Sri Lanka Keep India Waiting for Victory, Reach 229/6 at Stumps

Sri Lanka battled through a difficult fourth day to reach 229 for six at stumps after being forced to follow on by India in the second Test, with heavy rain bringing play to an early close.

India had earlier bowled Sri Lanka out for 290 in their first innings, securing a commanding 213-run lead after declaring at 503 for nine. The hosts were then asked to bat again, leaving India firmly in control of the contest.

Sri Lanka, however, showed considerable resistance in their second innings. Pasindu Sooriyabandara once again led the charge, top-scoring with a determined 92. He fell just eight runs short of a century, but his innings helped Sri Lanka erase their massive deficit and move into a narrow lead.

Kamindu Mendis also made a valuable contribution, scoring 55, as Sri Lanka recovered from early setbacks. By the close, the hosts had moved 16 runs ahead of India, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on seven and Keshara Nuwantha on three.

India's bowlers had earlier done most of the damage in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar claimed three wickets each, while Saransh Jain took two wickets to register his first Test wickets.

The rain-interrupted finish means Sri Lanka will resume on Thursday with only four wickets in hand, while India will sense a strong opportunity to complete a 2-0 series sweep after winning the opening Test convincingly in Galle.

Although Sri Lanka have managed to overturn the deficit, India remain in a commanding position. The final day could now hinge on how many more runs the hosts can add and whether their lower order can set India a meaningful target.

With the weather already disrupting proceedings, both teams face a tense final day in Colombo, with India needing four wickets to launch their chase and Sri Lanka fighting to extend the contest.