Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Aug 25: Rain is likely to play a major role on the fourth day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, with "periods of rain" forecast throughout Wednesday.
The heavens opened up a couple of times on Day 3, forcing an early close in the final session as India remained in a strong position to push for victory.
However, the visitors will have to contend with both Sri Lanka's unbeaten overnight pair of Sonal Dinusha (85) and Lahiru Kumara (8), as well as the weather, with a significant threat of rain looming over Day 4.
According to AccuWeather, there is a 97 per cent chance of precipitation in Colombo on Wednesday, with periods of rain expected. The forecast had put the chance at 96 per cent on Tuesday, when "a little afternoon rain" was predicted.
The hourly forecast for Day 4 paints a gloomy picture from the morning. There is an 85 per cent chance of precipitation at 6 am, while the probability remains at 75 per cent at 9 am, 45 minutes before the rescheduled start of play.
The chance of rain is forecast at 49 per cent at 10 am, rising to 75 per cent at 11 am. It is expected to be 68 per cent at noon and 49 per cent at 1 pm.
The threat continues through the afternoon, with a 56 per cent chance of rain at 2 pm, 63 per cent at 3 pm, 45 per cent at 4 pm, 53 per cent at 5 pm and 45 per cent at 6 pm.
India remain firmly in control of the match. After declaring at 503/9, the visitors reduced Sri Lanka to 265/8 in their first innings.
Sonal Dinusha remains at the crease and is eyeing his second Test century of the series and career, while Lahiru Kumara has shown considerable resistance, scoring eight runs from 50 balls.
India's Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna have been the standout bowlers, claiming three wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja have taken one wicket apiece.
A total of 98 overs are scheduled to be bowled on Day 4. However, with rain forecast throughout the day, it remains to be seen how much of the quota can be completed as India push for a result.