By scoring a huge first-innings score and creating problems for Sri Lanka early on in its innings, India took complete control of the second Test in Colombo. After declaring their score to be 503/9, India managed to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 8/2 on the second day itself. With such a massive lead, India had put Sri Lanka in great difficulties right from the start of the second innings.
**Getting a good first-innings score
**India opted to bat first when they won the toss. India were rewarded for the choice since the batsmen in the top order managed to lay a good base on an assisting pitch. Opening batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45, while KL Rahul and Shubman Gill added 18 and 50 runs respectively to the total. Later, it was the turn of the middle order batsmen.
Once again, Devdutt Padikkal justified his selection for this tour. Scoring a magnificent 117 runs off 193 deliveries with 12 fours, Devdutt played a solid knock and helped India in staying at the crease. This century was Devdutt's second in consecutive Tests on this tour.
Later, Dhruv Jurel helped India go beyond 500 with his splendid performance. Not only did he score a century but remained unbeaten in the innings. His score of 115 not out came in 189 deliveries and showed that he had great concentration against both pace and spin bowling.
**Declaration at the right moment
**The moment to declare came towards the end of the second day's play. India declared their score to be 503/9 which gave their bowlers enough time to target the Sri Lankan batting order before stumps.
The declaration also showed trust in the bowling unit. India did not need every last run. They needed time to break through early and set a tense tone for day three. With a lead of almost 500, the pressure was all on Sri Lanka from ball one.
**Early strikes in Sri Lanka’s reply
**India’s bowlers made the most of the time they had. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar struck in the first few overs to give the visitors a quick start. Sri Lanka fell to 8 for 2 by stumps, with both openers back in the hut and the scoreboard barely moving.
That early damage matters a lot in a big chase. Sri Lanka needed a clean start to build any kind of belief. Losing two wickets inside three overs took that away and handed all momentum back to India. The long break before day three only added to the stress for the home batters.
**Spin and pace working together
**The Colombo pitch offered something for both pace and spin. Krishna used his height and bounce to make life hard for the top order. Suthar, fresh from his 10-wicket match in Galle, kept the pressure on with tight lines and steady flight.
**What the numbers say
**India’s 503 for 9 declared is a strong total in any Test, and more so in a second innings chase scenario. Sri Lanka now face a target of 504 with only three days left and a pitch that will get tougher. History shows that chases of this size in Colombo are rare, and the early 8 for 2 score makes it even steeper.
Padikkal’s 117 and Jurel’s 115 not out were the twin pillars of India’s innings. Their work gave the bowlers a big cushion and a clear path to a series win. If India can take a few more quick wickets on day three, the match could move fast in their favor.
**The bigger picture for the series
**India already lead the two-Test series 1-0 after the Galle result. A win in Colombo would seal a 2-0 series sweep and give the team a strong finish to the tour. For Sri Lanka, this match is now about saving pride and avoiding a heavy defeat.
The visitors have shown they can adapt to slow, turning tracks and still post big scores. That is a key sign of growth for this group. If they can close out this Test, it will add real weight to the Galle performance and show that the first win was not a one-off.
**What to watch on day three
**All eyes will be on Sri Lanka’s top order. They must find a way to see off the new ball and build a long partnership. If they lose early wickets again, India could push for a quick result. If they can bat deep, they may at least force the match into the fourth day.
For India, the aim will be to keep the pressure high. The bowlers have already done the hard work. Now they must stay patient and wait for mistakes. With a lead of 495, they do not need to force anything. They only need to keep asking the same questions.
**Final view
**India have built a firm grip on the second Test in Colombo. A big first-innings total, a smart declaration, and early wickets in Sri Lanka’s reply have put the hosts in a deep hole. The visitors now stand on the edge of a series sweep, with only a few more breakthroughs needed to seal the result.
For fans who follow major team matchups and live competitions, Maxwinexch offers a simple way to keep track of key moments. The next two days will show if India can turn this strong position into a clean series win.
