INDIA SET TO GO FOR THE KILL

Lanka Chase A Mammoth Target Of 447; Pant Cracks Fastest Half-Century By An Indian

- Manuja Veerappa

Bengaluru: It is not often that a Day-Night Test match runs its course of five days, especially when it involves India. The previous three pink-ball Tests played by them did not stretch beyond the third day and this contest against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy stadium is unlikely to be any different.

On Sunday, Day 2 of the second and final Test of the series, the hosts began their victory march as Sri Lanka were 28/1 in at stumps in their second innings. They were left with a mountain to climb over the next three days, needing another mammoth 419 runs for victory.

On another day of turn on the Bengaluru surface, where 14 wickets fell, Indian players helped themselves to some milestones while adding to the visitors’ misery.

Responding to India’s first innings score of 252, the Islanders were bowled out for 109. Returning for their second essay, India declared at 303/9, deep into the final session. Jasprit Bumrah (1/9) & company took over. Adding an element of drama to the day’s proceedings were two pitch invaders, who decided to take some selfies with the home team players before the end of the day’s play.