Kolkata Test: Mathews, Thirimanne fifties give Lanka edge over India

Following a brilliant bowling performance, Sri Lanka batsmen put up a decent show with the bat to reach 165-4 at stumps on the Day Three of the opening Test of the three-match series at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

At the end of the day which ended a little early due to bad light, Sri Lanka were trailing India by just seven runs, with captain Dinesh Chandimal (13*) and Niroshan Dickwella (14*) were batting at the crease.

In reply to India's first innings total of 172, Lanka made a slow start to their innings as they lost openers Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne for 23 and eight respectively.

However, senior batsman Angelo Mathews (52) and first-drop Lahiru Thirimanne (51) displayed calm and composed performance as they not only struck half-centuries but also shared a decent 99-run stand for third wicket to give Lanka an edge in the ongoing Test.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav were the pick of the bowlers for bagging two wickets each.

Earlier, resuming at yesterday's score of 74-5, India continued to struggle as they failed to counter Lanka's bowling attack to eventually bundle out for 172.

Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja put up a brief 48-run partnership, but they failed to build big on it and were dismissed for 29 and 22, respectively at the hands of Dilruwan Perera.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami also provided some last-moment fireworks by contributing 24 runs before India's innings came to an end.

Suranga Lakmal was the pick of the bowlers for Lanka as he clinched four wickets while Lahiru Gamage, Dasun Shanaka and Dilruwan Perera all finished with two wickets each.

It should be noted that the Kohli-led top Test side are aiming to record their ninth straight Test series win.

The islanders, on the other hand, are looking to forget the annihilation suffered at home and chase what has been an improbable dream of winning their first Test on the Indian soil.