Share

Lakmal strikes give Sri Lanka hope on final day

Kolkata - Paceman Suranga Lakmal took three key India wickets on Monday's final day of the first Test to give Sri Lanka hope of claiming a historic victory.

India were 251 for five at lunch, stretching their second innings lead to 129. Skipper Virat Kohli was on 41 with Ravichandran Ashwin yet to score.

The hosts were bowled out for 172 in their first innings at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, while Sri Lanka, who have never won a Test in India, made 294.

India resumed their second innings on 171-1 Monday and the batsman played positively, going for boundaries, but Lakmal soon bowled Lokesh Rahul for 79 to check the surge.

Lakmal tested the batsmen with his probing line and length and was rewarded with the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara, who added 20 to his overnight two.

Pujara was taken by surprise by an awkward bouncer and gave a leading edge to gully where Dilruwan Perera took a sensational catch diving forward.

Ajinkya Rahane became Lakmal's third victim when trapped lbw for a duck as the hosts slipped to 213 for four.

Off-spinner Perera then sent back Ravindra Jadeja for nine.

Kohli, after a tentative start, remained solid during his 71-ball stay.

India's 166-run opening stand between Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, who made 94, enabled them to bounce back after conceding a 122-run first innings lead on day four of the rain-affected match, the first in a three-Test series.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE