Day/Night Test: SL batters show resistance; India require six wickets
Sri Lankan batters showed incredible resistance in the opening session on Day 3 of the ongoing Day/Night Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis led SL's fightback, denying the Indian spinners much success initially. However, R Ashwin broke the crucial stand after the first hour. Sri Lanka require another 296 runs, while India are six wickets away from victory.
How did the session pan out?
Sri Lanka resumed from their overnight score of 28/1 on Day 3. Karunaratne and Mendis counter-attacked the Indian spinners in the first hour. They took SL close to the 100-run mark. However, Ashwin gave India an important breakthrough in the form of Mendis. Ravindra Jadeja followed suit, removing Angelo Mathews. Ashwin also dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva before tea. SL finished on 151/4.
Ashwin leaves behind Dale Steyn
Ashwin is now the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He left behind South African legend Dale Steyn, who took 439 wickets in his illustrious career. Ashwin reached the landmark after dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva. In the first Test, Ashwin had surpassed Kapil to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests. The former now owns 440 scalps at an incredible average of 24.20.
Mendis, Karunaratne shine in the first session
Mendis played a wonderful knock under pressure. The top-order batter showcased endearing footwork throughout his innings. Mendis went on to slam his 12th half-century in Test cricket. He was dismissed stumped by Ashwin on 54 (60). His innings was studded with 8 fours. Meanwhile, the Lankan skipper Karunaratne registered his 28th half-century. He returned unbeaten after negotiating the Indian bowlers.
