India vs Sri Lanka: Sonal Dinusha puts Lanka ahead but visitors remain in Control after Day 4

Sri Lanka produced a spirited fightback on Day 4 of the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, but India remain firmly in control after enforcing the follow-on.

At stumps, Sri Lanka were 229/6 in 72.4 overs, holding a slender 16-run lead in their second innings.

India began the day with Sri Lanka on 265/8, still 238 runs behind India's imposing first-innings total of 503/9 declared. The visitors needed only two wickets to complete the innings and achieved that target in 6 overs, bowling Sri Lanka out for 290.

Sonal Dinusha provided the major resistance in the first innings. The left-hander completed his second consecutive Test century, scoring 103 off 162 balls, before Saransh Jain dismissed him. Dinusha's hundred was particularly significant after he had also scored a century in the first Test at Galle.

India's bowling attack was led by Prasidh Krishna, who finished with 3/52, while Manav Suthar also claimed three wickets for 85 runs. Debutant Saransh Jain took 2/69, including the crucial wickets of Lahiru Kumara and Dinusha. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj took one wicket apiece.

With Sri Lanka falling 213 runs short of India's total, captain Shubman Gill enforced the follow-on, putting the hosts straight back into bat. It was India's first follow-on enforcement in the Test.

Sri Lanka initially lost Lahiru Udara for 3, with Mohammed Siraj providing the breakthrough. Ravindra Jadeja then removed Kamil Mishara for 32, leaving the hosts at 63/2.

However, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis changed the complexion of the innings. The pair combined for a substantial partnership, with Sooriyabandara eventually producing a superb 92. Kamindu contributed a valuable 32 before falling to Prasidh Krishna.

Rain eventually interrupted proceedings, with Sri Lanka ending the day at 229/6. The hosts therefore moved from a position of severe danger to one where they have at least made India work for the victory.

India will begin Day 5 needing four wickets to complete a series-clinching victory, while Sri Lanka's lower order must produce a remarkable final-day resistance if they are to save the Test.