Pasindu Sooriyabandara Falls for 92, Misses Maiden Test Century as Sri Lanka Fight Back Against India on Day 4

Pasindu Sooriyabandara is suddenly one of the most searched names in cricket, and for good reason. On Day 4 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, the young left-hander fell agonisingly short of what would have been his maiden Test century, dismissed for 92 off 173 balls shortly after the tea break. It capped a remarkable match for a player who was not even supposed to be in Sri Lanka’s XI at the start of the series. Here is the full story of his innings and how the match has unfolded.

Who Is Pasindu Sooriyabandara

Sooriyabandara’s rise this series has an unusual backstory. He was drafted into Sri Lanka’s XI for the first Test, which India won, as a concussion substitute for veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal. Rather than fade back into the squad after a one-off appearance, he has held his place for the second Test and turned it into the standout performance of the series so far.

He announced himself with 80 off 133 balls in Sri Lanka’s first innings of this second Test. Then, batting again after Sri Lanka were made to follow on, he went even better, top-scoring with a fighting 92, using quick footwork against India’s spinners to counter a strong Indian attack throughout.

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How Sri Lanka’s Day 4 Fightback Unfolded

Set 213 runs behind after India’s mammoth 503 for 9 declared, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings and asked to follow on. The reply did not start well: Lahiru Udara fell early, removed by Mohammed Siraj for just 5.

From there, Sooriyabandara took charge. He first added 58 runs with Kamil Mishara in a counter-attacking stand, before Mishara fell to Ravindra Jadeja. Sooriyabandara then found his best partner of the day in Kamindu Mendis, and the pair put on 115 runs off 170 balls, dragging Sri Lanka back into the match session by session. Through it all, Sooriyabandara survived two dropped catches, on 17 and on 22, moments that in hindsight nearly cost India a memorable individual milestone.

Prasidh Krishna eventually broke the stand, with Shubman Gill taking a stunning running catch to dismiss Mendis for 55. Sooriyabandara carried on regardless, reaching tea unbeaten on 90, with Sri Lanka on 199 for 3, trailing by just 14 runs.

Sooriyabandara’s Innings: The Numbers

First innings: 80 off 133 balls Second innings: 92 off 173 balls, with 10 fours and 1 six Key partnerships: 58 with Kamil Mishara, then 115 with Kamindu Mendis Lives: dropped twice, on 17 and 22

Two fifties in the match, both falling agonisingly short of three figures, from a player who began the series as a concussion cover.

The Dismissal

The tea interval seemed to break Sri Lanka’s momentum. Soon after the resumption, Manav Suthar removed Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva. Then, in his very next over, Suthar struck again, this time accounting for Sooriyabandara, caught for 92, ending a knock that had carried Sri Lanka’s entire fightback and denied him a maiden Test hundred by the narrowest of margins.

Match Summary So Far

India 1st innings: 503 for 9 declared (138 overs) Sri Lanka 1st innings: 290 all out (89.4 overs), following on after conceding a 213-run first-innings lead Sri Lanka 2nd innings: progressing through Day 4, with Sooriyabandara’s 92 the standout contribution

The match is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, with India having elected to bat first after winning the toss.

Other Standout Performances

Sooriyabandara was not the only Sri Lankan batter to catch the eye. In the first innings, Sonal Dinusha was the last man dismissed, for a fighting 103, following up on a century and an 84 in the first Test of the series, a superb run of form across the two matches. Kamindu Mendis, too, played a crucial role in the fightback with his 55 alongside Sooriyabandara.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How did Pasindu Sooriyabandara get out?

He was dismissed by Manav Suthar for 92 off 173 balls, caught shortly after the tea interval on Day 4, the over immediately after Suthar had removed Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Q2. How many runs did Sooriyabandara score in the match?

He scored 80 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and 92 in the second innings, missing a maiden Test century in both attempts.

Q3. Why was Sooriyabandara playing this Test at all?

He first entered the series as a concussion substitute for veteran Dinesh Chandimal in the first Test, which India won, and has retained his place in the XI for the second Test.

Q4. What is Sri Lanka’s score in the second Test?

India scored 503 for 9 declared. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first innings, were made to follow on, and were rebuilding in their second innings on Day 4, led by Sooriyabandara’s 92.

Q5. Who else played key innings for Sri Lanka?

Sonal Dinusha scored 103 in the first innings, continuing a rich vein of form after a century and 84 in the first Test. Kamindu Mendis added 55 in a key partnership with Sooriyabandara in the second innings.