Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha on day three of the second Test cricket match between India and Sri Lanka, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

India missed several chances to finish off Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the second Test as the hosts’ lower order put up a strong fight in Colombo.Led by Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sri Lanka ended the day at 265/8, still 38 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

Sri Lanka’s lower order stands firm

Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85 when rain and bad light brought play to an early close, while Lahiru Kumara was not out on 8. Dinusha continued his excellent run in the series, registering his third score above 50 in as many innings. He battled India’s pace and spin for 201 minutes and refused to give the bowlers an opening.He first added 57 runs with Keshara Nuwantha for the eighth wicket and then put on another 35 with Kumara. The long resistance from Sri Lanka’s tail frustrated India, who have struggled against lower-order batters in the past.Earlier, India appeared in control after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7 by tea. Manav Suthar dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who edged to KL Rahul, while Ravindra Jadeja removed Sooriyabandara for a well-made 80. Mohammed Siraj then dismissed Niroshan Dickwella, caught behind by Dhruv Jurel.

Sooriyabandara, Mendis give Sri Lanka hope

Sri Lanka had begun the day at 8/2 and quickly lost Kamil Mishara for 19, but Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis changed the momentum with an 87-run partnership. Sooriyabandara, playing only his second Test, scored his maiden Test fifty from 76 balls and showed impressive composure.Mendis also attacked the Indian spinners, hitting Suthar for a six, before Prasidh Krishna ended the partnership by getting him to pull a short delivery straight to Jadeja.Despite India regaining control in the middle session, Dinusha and the lower order ensured Sri Lanka finished strongly. With 38 runs still needed to avoid the follow-on, India will hope to wrap up the innings quickly on Day 4.