India v/s Sri Lanka, 1st Test: Rangana Herath frustrates hosts despite Mohammed Shami’s triple strike

Sri Lanka stretched their first innings lead to 91 runs with two wickets in hand despite India paceman Mohammed Shami’s triple strike on the penultimate day of the rain-hit opening test on Sunday.

Mohammed Shami, who bowled without luck on Saturday, claimed three wickets in a fine display of seam bowling and Umesh Yadav claimed his third of the match to restrict Sri Lanka to 263-8 at lunch. Rangana Herath made a useful 43 not out, a determined knock that included six boundaries, and was batting with Suranga Lakmal on 10 at the Eden Gardens.

Earlier, overnight batsman Niroshan Dickwella hit Shami for a boundary to level the scores after the tourists, chasing their first test victory in India, resumed on 165-4. After regularly beating the bat, Shami finally tasted success with a rising delivery which kissed the edge of Dickwella’s blade before flying to Virat Kohli in the slip. Dickwella’s breezy 35 off 38 balls included five boundaries.

Shami went on to dismiss Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal caught behind for 28 with an outswinger. In between, Kumar trapped Dasun Shanaka lbw for nought. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned as replays confirmed the ball would have …read more