Harbhajan Singh struck twice in as many overs during the afternoon session, but Kumar Sangakkara remained to keep Sri Lanka on course to take a first innings lead in the series-deciding third Test.

On a frustrating second day for the tourists, Harbhajan grabbed the wickets of night-watchman Chaminda Vaas and captain Mahela Jayawardene to give India hope of defending their modest first innings total of 249.

However, Sangakkara remained firm in the face of India's spin-led attack with a patient unbeaten innings of 72 from 150 balls to help the hosts to the tea interval at 175 for four - a deficit of 74 runs.