Reuters
Colombo, August 23: Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara made 18 (18b, 3×4) in his final test innings as India dominated fourth day’s play in the second Test Sunday to stand eight wickets away from a series-levelling victory.
For the fourth successive innings in the series, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin (2/27) dismissed the 37-year-old left-hander to send groans across the P Sara Oval.
Sangakkara walked out to a guard of honour by the Indians and the umpires and nearly ran himself out soon after a mix-up with opener Dimuth Karunaratne.
The southpaw unleashed the trademark flick and straight drive but could not convert the start, edging Ashwin to gully.
India rode Ajinkya Rahane’s 126 (243b, 10×4) to reach 325 for eight before declaring to set Sri Lanka a difficult 413-run victory target.
Ashwin dismissed Kaushal Silva and Sangakkara to peg back Sri Lanka who were 72 for two at close, still 341 runs behind the target.
Earlier, having taken an 87-run first innings lead, India resumed on 70 for one and scored freely.
Rahane was characteristically composed while Murali Vijay (82, 133b, 4×4, 2×6) displayed aggression by hitting both paceman Dushmantha Chameera and off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal (4/118) for sixes.
Kaushal had the last laugh as he ended the 140-run stand trapping Vijay leg before after the batsman went for a sweep shot and missed the line.
The 22-year-old off-spinner dealt another blow when he accounted for rival captain Virat Kohli.
Rahane showed the temperament that prompted his promotion to No. 3 in the batting order but was not afraid to attempt an occasional cheeky shot.
He added 85 runs with Rohit Sharma (34) to consolidate India’s position before Kaushal dismissed both.
Ishant fined
Colombo: Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma was Sunday fined 65 per cent of his match fee for twice breaching the ICC Conduct of Conduct during the third day’s play Saturday. Sharma was fined 15 per cent and 50 per cent for provoking Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal respectively following his dismissal.
