Team India close in on firstTest win

Galle: India reached 23 for one wicket in pursuit of 176 runs after they bowled out Sri Lanka for 367 runs in their second innings despite Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten 162 on the third day of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium here on Friday.

After conceding a 192-run first innings lead, the Sri Lankan top order failed to rise to the occasion. But young Chandimal registered his fourth century in Test cricket to bail the team out of trouble. Chandimal hit 19 fours and four sixes from 169 deliveries.

The right-hander forged a 125-run stand with Lahiru Thirimanne (44) when the hosts were 92 for 5 and it helped them overcome the innings deficit. Chandimal was also involved with another healthy partnership of 82 runs with Jehan Mubarak (49) for the sixth wicket to ensure that the Sri Lankans get a 100-run lead.

R Ashwin (4-114) completed a 10-wicket haul in the match and he was ably supported by leg-spinner Amit Mishra (3-61). Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron bagged a wicket each.

At the end of the day, India lost Lokesh Rahul (5) to Rangana Herath. Shikhar Dhawan (not out 13) and nightwatchman Ishant (5no) were at the crease as India look in command to get another 153 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 183 and 367(Dinesh Chandimal 162 no, Jehan Mubarak 49, Lahiru Thirimanne 44, R Ashwin 4/114, Amit Mishra 3/61) vs India: 375 and 23 for 1 (Shikhar Dhawan 13no).