India lead by 157 against SL

India finished the third day at 70/1 in their second innings to extend their overall lead to 157 runs, after bowling out hosts Sri Lanka for 306 in the second cricket Test on Saturday.

Indian batsmen, Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane were unbeaten on 39 and 28 respectively at stumps at the P  Sara Oval ground to take their lead past 100 runs, putting on a 67-run second wicket partnership. Opener Lokesh Rahul was dismissed by pacer Dhammika Prasad for 2.

India earlier bowled out Sri Lanka for 306 runs in the post-tea session, forcing them to concede a lead of 87 runs after the first innings.

Sri Lanka <g data-gr-id="23">were</g> at 298/7 at tea. Middle-order bat Jehan Mubarak (22), <g data-gr-id="26">tail-enders</g> Rangana Herath (1) and Tharindu Kaushal (6) were the last three wickets that fell.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra pocketed figures of 4-43 while fast bowler Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin picked two wickets each.

Despite Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews' century (102), India took the post-lunch session honours, taking four quick wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 298/7 at tea.

Middle-order bat Jehan Mubarak and Rangana Herath remained unbeaten on 20 and 1 respectively while for the Indians, fast bowler Ishant Sharma and leg-spinner Amit Mishra took two 

wickets each.

After going <g data-gr-id="27">wicket-less</g> through the first session, the Indians struck back after lunch as Ishant was rewarded for his persistence. <g data-gr-id="28">Left-hander</g> Thirimanne, who had been patient for his knock of 62 runs, tried to drive a wide half-volley from the lanky pacer. The ball took the edge and thudded into the gloves of wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha. 

Mathews too was dismissed soon after as Indian all-rounder Stuart Binny got him out caught at slips.