Sports News
SL in tatters, stare at big innings defeat
11:40 a.m. Difficult to fathom this approach by almost every Lankan batsman who batted today. There’s been no intent to block, defend or stay on the wicket. If it was a strategy, then it defies logic when you begin the day 384 runs behind in the third innings of the match against in-form spinners on a dry-ish track. 125/8
11:28 a.m. Seems SL want the lunch to be extended. Two wickets in the over for Ashwin! Perera and Herath collect ducks and walk back. SL 108/8.
11:18 a.m. The Lankan procession continues as Shanaka falls to Ashwin! Tried to go for a big win but miscued it and KL Rahul caught the skier. SL 102/6
11:07 a.m. Sri Lanka have now reached the point of no return with Dickwella’s (4) wicket, who has been ejected by Ishant as Kohli does a juggling act before completing the catch. SL 76/5 and stare at a huge innings defeat.
10:58 a.m. The game is 32 minutes away from lunch on Day 4. Chandimal (18*) and Dickwella (2*) would want to reach there together at the end of what’s been India’s morning all the way with three wickets. 72/4
10:42 a.m. FOUR DOWN! Jadeja invites a false drive from Angelo Mathews (10), which ends in a simple catch to Rohit Sharma at mid-off.SL 68/4 and in dire straits now.
10:30 a.m. Chandimal and Mathews are trying to be aggressive, making sure no lose delivery goes unpunished. But can they pull SL out of this rut? 59/3, trailing for 346.
10:15 a.m. Umesh Yadav has struck as well! It’s a soft dismissal as Thirimanne (23) scoops a full, away delivery straight to Jadeja at backward point. He stands in disbelief that he played that shot, could have left it alone. SL 52/3 in 21 overs
9:58 a.m. Jadeja strikes with his second ball of the day, Karunaratne (18) is walking back. Nice reflex catch by Vijay at short-leg. SL 34/2
9:45 a.m. Ishant and Ashwin entrusted with early-morning bowling duties for India, but both Thirimanne and Karunaratne getting comfortable by hitting a boundary each. SL 31/1
9:33 p.m. Sri Lanka are ready to resume at 21/1 with Thirimanne on 9 and Karunaratne on 11, and the hosts ahead by 384 runs.
