India need 4 wickets on final day after Sri Lanka fightback

Rain and a fighting 92 from Pasindu Sooriyabandara have left the second Test in Colombo poised for an intriguing final day. India enforced the follow-on after bowling Sri Lanka out for 290 in reply to their 503/9 declared. At stumps on day four, Sri Lanka were 229/6 in their second innings, a lead of 16 runs, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 7.

m9.news reports that India's bowlers have been on the field for over 160 overs and need four quick wickets to have a chance of victory, but rain threatens to force a draw. The New Indian Express notes that Dinusha, who scored a century in the first innings, aims to bat as long as possible on Thursday, knowing that anything over 150 could be a tricky target. The ICC reports India spin coach Sairaj Bahutule said the team had no debate about enforcing the follow-on, and that the bowlers were well prepared for the workload.

With World Test Championship points at stake, India must dismiss the remaining Sri Lankan batsmen early on day five and then chase a target, all while hoping the weather holds.