IND vs SL 2017: Third Test , Day 4: India inch closer to series victory

SL still trail by 379 runs.

Jadeja took two in one over. (AFP)

A late surge in the Sri Lankan innings by Ravindra Jadeja helped India finish Day 3 on the advantage at Delhi. Sri Lanka started the day at 356 for 9 and reached as far as 373 before being bowled out. At that point India had a lead of close to 200 runs and they were the happy dressing room going to the break. By then India had already started their second innings as well.

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Post lunch, Indian batsmen capitalized on the lead and scored 246 for 5 in the second innings stretching their lead over 400. Vijay went out cheaply in the second innings, so did Rahane who was promoted to number 3 in the Indian second innings. Shikhar Dhawan celebrating his 32nd birthday today scored a quick fire 67, with contributions from Pujara (49), Kohli (50) and Rohit Sharma. (50*).

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Late into the day’s play, Kohli invited Sri Lanka to bat with 410 to win. Sri Lanka started cautiously but then two wickets in one over from Ravindra Jadeja left Sri Lanka reeling at 31 for 3 at the end of the day’s play.

This duo needs to step up again for Sri Lanka. (Getty)

Angelo Mathews, the centurion in Sri Lanka’s first innings is already at the wicket while skipper Dinesh Chandimal is waiting for his chance. Both the senior statesmen now have to ensure they churn out a draw and avoid a whitewash.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka 373 (Chandimal 164, Mathews 111, Ashwin 3-90, Ishant 3-98) and 31 for 3 (Jadeja 2-5) need another 379 runs to beat India 536 for 7 dec. and 246 for 5 dec. (Dhawan 67, Rohit 50*, Kohli 50, Pujara 49)

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 05 Dec, 2017

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