Responding to India’s first innings total of 436 all out, the Lankans were 45 for the loss of two wickets, a lead of 34 runs. Part-time off-spinner Virender Sehwag claimed the wickets of openers N.T. Paranavitana and T.M. Dilshan for scores of 16 and 13 respectively. Paranavitana was caught behind while on the backfoot, while Murali Vijay caught Dilshan at short leg of bat and pad.
The wicket is now taking sharp turn from a good length spot and around the rough areas outside the stump area, which could mean early wickets on the fourth day, and a difficult second innings for the Indians on the fifth day.
Earlier, India resumed at 180 for the loss of two wickets with Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar at the crease. Both fell early. Tendulkar was caught by M. Jayawardene of the bowling of Lasith Malinga for 41, while Sehwag was caught at mid-off of the bowling of Suraj Randiv for 110 with 19 boundaries.
Thereafter V.V.S. Laxman (56), Suresh Raina (62), A. Mithun (46) and Amit Mishra (40) helped India cross Sri Lanka’s total of 425. India scored 436 in 106 overs.
