Ajinkya Rahane slams his 4th Test ton, stretches India's lead past 350

Ajinkya Rahane on 23 August struck his fourth Test century of his career as India marched towards a declaration while stretching the lead over 350 runs on day four of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Resuming at an overnight score of 70-1, Murali Vijay and Rahane accelerated the innings as the duo shared a solid 140-run partnership for the second wicket.

Vijay made a classy 82 before he was trapped lbw by off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal, while captain Virat Kohli fell cheaply for 10.

After the dismissal of the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma (34) gave adequate support to Rahane in their 85-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Kaushal struck in successive overs to dismiss both Sharma and Rahane to dent India's innings.

Rahane's exciting innings came to an end at 126 after he was caught behind by Dinesh Chandimal. Soon, Wriddhiman Saha (5*) got retired hurt following a strain and Stuart Binny (17) was dismissed by Dhammika Prasad in the 83rd over.

At the time of filing this report, India were 293-6, holding a lead of 380 runs, with Ravichandran Ashwin (10*) and Amit Mishra (3*) at the crease.

Earlier, leg-spinner Amit Mishra had returned figures of 4-43 to bundle Sri Lanka out for 306. His heroics led India to secure a lead of 87 runs on the third day.

Sri Lanka lead the three-match series after claiming a remarkable 63-run victory in the first Test in Galle.

(With ANI inputs)