Bowlers give India firm control

India enjoyed the upperhand against Sri Lanka as the home team reached 245 for five at stumps on the third day of the second and final ‘Youth Test’ thereby taking an overall lead of 64 runs.

Sadeera Samarwickrama (53 batting) and Priyamal Perera (40 batting) added 78 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket stand as Indian bowlers led by left-arm seamer Chama Milind (3/43) will be hoping to clean up the lower half quickly on the final day in order to set up a series win.

Resuming at 11 for no loss, openers Hashan Dumindu and Minod Bhanuka added just 16 more runs to their stand before left-arm pacer Milind drew the first blood for the visitors.

Milind removed Bhanuka for 16 to give India a perfect start. Damindu was joined by Kavindu Kulasekara, who made 84 in the first innings, and the duo safely negotiated the Indian attack putting on 44 runs for the second wicket. Having scored 29 off 88 balls, Kulasekara committed to a stroke early and gave off-break bowler Amir Gani a return catch.

Skipper Kusal Mendis made a fine 65 for the hosts striking 10 boundaries in an 85-ball knock that included two sixes as well.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka: 212 and 245/5 (Kusal Mendis 65, Sadeera Samarawickrama 53 not out; Chama Milind 3/43) vs India: 393/8 decl.