India’s middle and late order batsmen came up with gritty contributions as the visitors eked out a slender 11-run first innings lead and scalped two quick Sri Lankan wickets to gain a slight upper hand in the third and final cricket Test here on Thursday.

Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday became
the most-capped Test cricketer in the world after taking the field for his 169th match here, the third and final of the series against Sri Lanka.

Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha scalped two quick wickets but Thilan Samaraweera’s patient hundred guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable 369 for six in their first innings at lunch on the second day of the third and final cricket Test here on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka scored 425 in their first innings before being all out in the post-lunch session on the second day of the third and final cricket Test against India on Wednesday.

India, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 425, was 180-2 at stumps on the second day of the third and final cricket Test at the P. Sara Oval on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka were 102 for two in their first innings at lunch on the opening day of the third and final cricket Test against India at P Sara Oval here on Tuesday.

Kumar Sangakkara scored 75 runs on Tuesday to lift Sri Lanka to 194-3 at tea on the opening day of the third cricket Test against India.

Indian bowlers finally struck some form but a slow and steady Sri Lanka still had the upperhand, reaching 293 for four on the opening day of the series-deciding third cricket Test at the P Sara Oval here on Tuesday.

Sachin Tendulkar will become the most-capped Test player on Tuesday, adding another milestone in one of cricket’s most accomplished careers.

The second cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka ended in a draw with the hosts declaring their second innings at 129 for three on the final day at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground here on Friday.