Sri Lanka vs. India, 2nd Test, Day 3: Visitors on Top After Bowling Recovery

Another enthralling day of cricket in Colombo saw India take a slight advantage over Sri Lanka on the third day of the second Test, as they lead by 157 runs.

Initially, it looked as though the Sri Lankans would be well on top as they lost only three wickets in passing 200.

However, the visitors came roaring back and precipitated a dramatic batting collapse to take a lead of 87 runs into the second innings, having looked likely to concede the lead.

Now, with two days left, India have the perfect opportunity to build on their good position and reach a target that should be out of reach for the hosts.

With the third day now over, let’s examine some takeaways from Saturday's play, starting with the strong performances of Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne for Sri Lanka.

Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne build strong stand

Mathews and Thirimanne resumed the day on 19 and 28, respectively, and immediately set about building a big partnership that could have taken Sri Lanka into the lead.

India did not take a wicket in the morning session as the pair dominated and took the home side past 200 with few alarms.

Mathews ended up as the top scorer in the entire innings with a well-made 102, while Thirimanne offered good support with 62.

Their partnership was worth 127, and even when Thirimanne was out with the score on 241, Sri Lanka would have been hopeful of building a big lead.

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Sri Lanka waste good position

Unfortunately, the good work of Thirimanne and Mathews was wasted by their team-mates, as only two players below them reached double figures in a dramatic collapse.

Dinesh Chandimal could make only 11, while Jehan Mubarak reached 22, and the tail enders could not apply themselves at the crease.

The home side lost seven wickets for 65 runs and could reach only 306 all out—meaning they conceded a lead of 87 runs to India.

Having looked so strong, the hosts would have fancied their chances of moving past 400.

However, they could not manage it and instead were forced to go into the second innings knowing they had missed a golden opportunity.

India on top after three days

Having taken a decent lead from the first innings, India would have been determined not to waste their good position and managed to make good progress.

They got to stumps on 70 for one, having lost Lokesh Rahul early but seen Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane build a decent partnership.

With the visitors now ahead by 157 and two days left to play on a deteriorating wicket that will favour the bowlers, India are in poll position to take the win.

They need to bat well tomorrow, build up enough of a lead and then leave themselves enough time to bowl out Sri Lanka, all of which they are capable of.