Rishabh Pant and Manav Suthar Execute Perfect Plan to Dismiss Pasindu Sooriyabandara in IND vs SL 2nd Test 2026
Rishabh Pant and Manav Suthar orchestrated a crucial dismissal, stumping Pasindu Sooriyabandara for 92 runs on Day 4 of the India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, on August 26, 2026.
A moment of brilliance from India's Rishabh Pant and Manav Suthar saw the end of Pasindu Sooriyabandara's gritty innings, halting Sri Lanka's fightback on Day 4 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo today, August 26, 2026. Sooriyabandara, who was nearing a maiden Test century, was dismissed for a well-made 92, a pivotal wicket that shifted momentum firmly back in India's favour. Viral Video Shows Rishabh Pant's 95-Metre Six Damages Solar Panel During IND vs SL 2nd Test 2026.
Rishabh Pant Stumps Pasindu Sooriyabandara
The 27-year-old Sri Lankan batter had been a thorn in India's side, leading a determined resistance after the hosts were forced to follow on. His 92-run knock came under immense pressure, showcasing resilience and skill as Sri Lanka battled to save the match.
The Dismissal: A Perfect Trap
The crucial breakthrough occurred when Pasindu Sooriyabandara, having survived a close LBW review on the previous delivery, attempted an aggressive charge down the pitch against left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. However, Rishabh Pant, behind the stumps, had keenly observed Sooriyabandara's growing restlessness. He was heard on the stump mic instructing his fielders, "Restless ho raha hain, mid-on ready rehna" (He is getting restless, someone in mid-on get ready).
Suthar, taking a cue from his captain, bowled a wider, slower delivery that enticed Sooriyabandara out of his crease. The Sri Lankan batter, committed to the shot, completely missed the ball. Pant, ever alert, quickly gathered the ball and whipped off the bails, catching Sooriyabandara well short of his ground. The wicket was a clear demonstration of the effective partnership between the wicketkeeper and the bowler, setting up and executing a perfect plan.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Match Context
This two-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with both teams vying for crucial points. The second Test, which commenced on August 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST, saw India take a commanding position after declaring their first innings on 503-9 and reducing Sri Lanka to 8-2 by stumps on Day 2. Sri Lanka's lower order, led by Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha, had shown admirable fight on Day 3, ending at 265/8, still 38 runs shy of avoiding the follow-on. India enforced the follow-on, putting Sri Lanka under renewed pressure in their second innings. History Made! Rishabh Pant Becomes First Indian to Complete 100 Test Sixes During IND vs SL 1st Test 2026.
Sooriyabandara's dismissal for 92, following his 80 in the first innings, was a significant blow to Sri Lanka's hopes of salvaging a draw or pushing for an unlikely victory.
The strategic dismissal underscores India's intent to wrap up the Test match swiftly, with Pant and Suthar playing crucial roles in breaking Sri Lanka's stubborn resistance. The hosts will now face an uphill battle to save the Test, with India pushing hard for victory.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).