Kamindu Mendis struck a defiant 55 and expressed firm belief that Sri Lanka can engineer a dramatic comeback in the second Test against India in Colombo, provided they post a target that puts pressure on the visitors in the fourth innings. Speaking after Day 4 at the SSC Ground, the middle-order batter said his side's dressing room remains focused on accumulating runs in the final session of their second innings.

Where Sri Lanka Stand

At stumps on Day 4, Sri Lanka had reached 229/6 in their second innings after being forced to follow on, holding a slender 16-run lead over India. A pivotal 115-run stand for the third wicket between Mendis (55) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92) has given the hosts a foothold in a match that had appeared to be slipping away.

Mendis Outlines the Plan

'Yes, actually our plan was to play along and make a partnership after the follow-on. So we thought if we can get more than 150 lead, we can still be in the game. So we are still thinking about scoring some runs in the first session,' Mendis told broadcasters.

He elaborated on the strategy mapped out in the dressing room before the day's play began. 'Play as much as possible, play some more overs and get some lead and then put some pressure on the fifth day in the fourth innings. So it will be tough conditions today as the fifth day of the Test match. So I think we can put some runs on the board. It will be a good sign for us,' he noted.

Turning Pitch Could Be the Equaliser

Mendis was candid about the role the deteriorating surface could play in Sri Lanka's favour. The pitch at the SSC Ground has been offering significant turn since the early stages of the match, and on a Day 5 surface, that assistance is only expected to increase. Sri Lanka's spin options, he argued, could make even a modest target competitive.

'It's spinning in the wicket right now, and I think we have some good bowlers as well. I still believe if we can get some lead, decent lead, we are still in the game,' he said.

Draw Also on the Table

While an outright result remains the primary ambition, Mendis acknowledged that salvaging a draw would itself represent a creditable achievement for a young Sri Lankan side against a formidable Indian outfit. 'Of course, if we can draw this game, it will be a good thing,' he said, though he was quick to add that the team has not given up on a win. This is the second Test of the series, with the first already decided in India's favour.

What to Watch on Day 5

The morning session on Day 5 will be decisive. If Sri Lanka's lower order can extend the innings and push the lead beyond 150, India will face a tricky chase on a surface increasingly favouring spin. The contest now hinges on whether Mendis's confidence translates into runs — and whether Sri Lanka's spinners can exploit conditions that have been steadily worsening for batters throughout the match.