Colombo, Aug 23 (IANS): Murali Vijay (82) and Ajinkya Rahane (82 not out) helped India reach 179/3 in their second innings till lunch on the fourth day of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here on Sunday.

Resuming the day at 70/1, the right-handed batsmen struck an important 140-run second wicket partnership to put India 266 runs ahead of the hosts. Rohit Sharma (2) was at the crease with Rahane as India look to build a strong fourth innings total at the P. Sara Oval.

Both Rahane and Vijay looked at ease in the morning session and runs came at a decent pace as compared to the evening session on Saturday where they were tested to the hilt.

Sri Lankan bowlers went for 73 runs in the first 15 overs of play as Vijay and Rahane played shots on both sides of the wicket.

Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal gave the hosts the first success of the day when he trapped Vijay in front of the stumps. Tamil Nadu batsman Vijay, who registered his 11th Test fifty, departed after hitting four shots to the fence and two over it from 133 deliveries.

Kaushal also dismissed skipper Virat Kohli (10) in similar fashion as India lost third wicket for 171 runs.

Then, Mumbai batsman Rohit and his Ranji teammate Rahane played with caution to not lose any more wickets before lunch.