Day 4 of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhala Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo proved to be a grueling yet highly dramatic chapter in the series. After posting a massive first-innings total of 503, Team India bowled Sri Lanka out for 290 in their first innings. Holding a significant lead of 213 runs, Indian captain Shubman Gill enforced the follow-on.
Although Sri Lanka showed resilience with counter-attacking half-centuries in their second innings, a late-day collapse triggered by India’s bowling unit turned the momentum back in India’s favor. Sri Lanka ended Day 4 at 229/6, holding a slight lead of just 16 runs with only four wickets remaining.
Sri Lanka vs India 2026: Indian Bowlers Surge Back to Seize Control on Day 4 of the 2nd Test
Match Overview: Key Statistics & Highlights
| Match Phase / Parameter | Score & Details |
| India 1st Innings | 503/10 (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Shubman Gill 50) |
| Sri Lanka 1st Innings | 290/10 (Sonal Dinusha 100*, Saransh Jain 2 wickets) |
| First Innings Lead | India led by 213 runs; Follow-On Enforced |
| Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (Day 4 End) | 229/6 in 2nd Innings (Leading by 16 runs) |
| Top Scorers (SL 2nd Innings) | Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92), Kamindu Mendis (55), Kamil Mishara (32) |
| Key Indian Wicket-Takers | Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj |
First Innings Wrap: Sonal Dinusha’s Heroics & Enforcing the Follow-On
Sri Lanka resumed Day 4 at 265/8 in their first innings, needing 39 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Young sensation Sonal Dinusha stood firm for the hosts, completing a brilliant under-pressure century with aggressive strokes down the ground.
However, India’s off-spinner Saransh Jain broke Sri Lanka’s lower-order resistance. Operating with flight and sharp turn, Jain dismissed Lahiru Kumara (caught nicely by Dhruv Jurel) and claimed the final wicket to bowl Sri Lanka out for 290.
With a commanding 213-run lead, Shubman Gill did not hesitate to enforce the follow-on, asking Sri Lanka to bat again under challenging conditions.
Sri Lanka’s Counter-Attack: Pasindu and Kamindu Lead the Charge
Sri Lanka’s second innings got off to a rocky start when Mohammed Siraj struck early, trapping opening batter Nishan Madushka (Udara) for just 3 runs with a sharp bouncer.
Early Seam Breakthrough (Siraj) ➔ Sri Lanka Rebuild (Pasindu & Mishara) ➔ Kamindu Mendis Counter-Attack (100-Run Stand)
However, the middle order responded with high-tempo, aggressive cricket:
- Kamil Mishara & Pasindu Partnership: Mishara (32) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara counter-attacked Indian spinners using aggressive sweeps and footwork, taking Sri Lanka past 60 runs before Saransh Jain trapped Mishara lbw.
- Kamindu Mendis’ Aggression:Kamindu Mendis joined Pasindu, immediately changing the rhythm of the match. Mendis scored a rapid half-century (55), launching spinners over long-on and cutting seamers to bring up a vital 100-run partnership.
- Pasindu’s 92: Pasindu continued his magnificent debut series form, striking multiple boundaries to reach 92 runs and pushing Sri Lanka past India’s first-innings total.
Late Collapse: Indian Spinners and Seamers Strike Back
Just as Sri Lanka seemed poised to build a solid second-innings lead, Indian bowlers struck back ruthlessly during the final session:
- Breakthrough by Prasidh Krishna: Prasidh Krishna broke the century stand by bowl-bouncing Kamindu Mendis (55), who mistimed a pull shot directly into the hands of captain Shubman Gill.
- Dhananjaya de Silva Bowled: Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar got crucial turn and bounce, inducing an inside-edge from Dhananjaya de Silva (23) that bounced off his pad straight to point.
- Stumping of Pasindu: Manav Suthar delivered the biggest blow of the day by drawing Pasindu (92) out of his crease with a wide, dipping delivery. Rishabh Pant whipped off the bails effortlessly, denying Pasindu a well-deserved century.
- Dickwella LBW: Mohammed Siraj and the spinners maintained tight pressure, trapping Niroshan Dickwella for 6 late in the evening before bad light halted play.
Day 5 Scenario: India Set for Final Push
Sri Lanka leads by a mere 16 runs with only 4 second-innings wickets remaining (229/6).
If India can wrap up the Sri Lankan tail early on Day 5, they will face a small, easily manageable target to sweep the Test series 2-0. However, weather and potential rain interruptions remain the only obstacle between India and a decisive victory.
Cricket fans can stream full match highlights on the official Sony LIV YouTube Channel
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