Reuters
Colombo, August 22: Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews (102, 167b, 12×4) struck his sixth test century but India took command on the third day of the second Test at P Sara Oval here Saturday.
After a wicket less first session, the touring side dismissed the last seven batsmen for 65 runs to bowl Sri Lanka out for 306 and take an 87-run first innings lead.
India then lost opener KL Rahul (2) to the fifth ball of their second innings before Murali Vijay (39, 89b, 2×4) and Ajinkya Rahane (28, 84b, 1×4) guided them to 70 for one at the close of play, an advantage of 157 runs. Both the batsmen survived close lbw appeals.
Starting the day on 140 for three, Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne (62, 168b, 5×4) enjoyed a productive morning session in Sri Lankan hero Kumar Sangakkara’s farewell match.
The pair added 84 runs in the session without being separated, much to the frustration of India.
Ishant Sharma (2/68) struck two big blows after lunch to expose Sri Lanka’s late order before leg-spinner Amit Mishra (4/43) polished off the tail.
Paceman Ishant ended a 127-run stand by removing Thirimanne although the batsman looked unhappy with the caught-behind decision.
He also got rid of Dinesh Chandimal (11) but Mathews brought up his century with a reverse-swept four off spinner Ravi Ashwin (2/76).
Mathews provided a display of controlled aggression, before becoming Stuart Binny’s first test victim.
Mishra then removed Dhammika Prasad in the next over and also got rid of Jehan Mubarak (22) and Tharindu Kaushal (6).