Angelo Mathews, who is the barrier between India’s series win and history, is still at the crease.
Sri Lanka started the day 67 for 3. In the 22nd over Umesh Yadav picked the wicket of Kaushal Silva, who managed only three runs to his 4th day’s total 24. In the 37th over Ravichandran Ashwin strikes. Sri Lanka were 74 for 5, after the departure of Lahiru Thiramanne, Kusal Perera, who is batting at 12, joined Mathews. But, India is now at a strong position, they need five wickets in two sessions.
After the lunch if India can pick the wicket of Mathews, then India don’t have to wait for much time. There were some extremely well delivery, which could give India the wicket of Mathews. But, Ishant was unlucky. However, as Umesh Yadav and R Ashwin picked up two wickets and the ball is turning India don’t have wait for a long time for the historic series win in Sri Lanka after 22 years.
With fast bowlers are pitching their ball at the right place and spinner R Ashwin and Amit Mishra are getting sharp turn the victory is just a matter of time. Mathews is fighting being a lone warrior for Sri Lanka. He played some pleasant, boundary. It is expected that India will come harder in the next session to clean up last five wickets to ensure their first victory on foreign soil after four years.
Brief Score: India 321 and 274 ( R Ashwin 58, Rohit Sharma 50, Stuart Binny 49, Nuwan Pradeep 3-51) vs Sri Lanka 201 and 132 for 5 (Angelo Mathews 56*, Kaushal Silva 27, Ishant Sharma 2-24, Umesh Yadav 2 for 41).
More to follow