Sunday 10th August 2008
Sri Lanka close in on victory
Sri Lanka completed a dominant day by taking five evening-session wickets to propel them towards victory in the series-deciding third Test against India in Colombo.
India had laboured before eventually bowling out their hosts for 396 midway through the middle session, conceding a first-innings deficit of 147.
And after tea, debutant Dammika Prasad removed India openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in consecutive overs before the middle order again succumbed to the spinning threat of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis to slump to 161 for five at the close - a lead of just 14 runs.
Veteran Rahul Dravid remained at the crease on 46, while VVS Laxman, who was demoted to seven in a failed bid to buy him time as he recovers from the rolled ankle he sustained in Saturday's warm-up session, was also unbeaten on 17.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's lower order had helped the hosts gain control of the match as they took advantage of a sluggish Indian display in the field.
Starting the day with a two-run lead and four wickets in hand, Kumar Sangakkara advanced to 144 before being dismissed by Anil Kumble.
Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene scored 49 and Prasad also made a useful contribution of 36 to give the home side the initiative.
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