Twin tons give India command
Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara hit sublime centuries to put India in command of the second Test against Sri Lanka, as the hosts took a 107-run lead on Saturday's day two.
The overnight batsmen put together a 209-run partnership to pulverise the opposition attack after the hosts started the day on 11-1 in response to Sri Lanka's 205.
India were 312 for two at stumps in their first innings with Pujara, on 121, and skipper Virat Kohli, on 54, batting to push the visitors out of the game.
Vijay registered his 10th Test ton before falling to Rangana Herath in the final session of play. The right-handed opener gifted his wicket to the veteran left-arm spinner after mistiming his sweep on a full toss to short fine leg where Dilruwan Perera made no mistake.
Perera had dropped Vijay on 61 at short mid-on off paceman Lahiru Gamage and the spill proved costly for the visitors who managed only one wicket in the day.
Vijay and Pujara made sure India ram home the advantage from day one as they recorded their fifth century stand in their last seven Test innings together.
Pujara played the sheet anchor's role to perfection and took control after the fall of his overnight partner to record his 14th Test century. Pujara played a sedate knock to frustrate the bowlers on a gruelling day for Sri Lanka on the field.
He also combined with Kohli for an unbeaten 96-run stand, forcing skipper Dinesh Chandimal to continue juggling his bowling options till the end of day.
SCORES IN BRIEF
SRI LANKA: First innings 205 all out
INDIA: First innings 312-2 (Vijay 128, Pujara 121 not out, Kohli 54 not out; Herath 1-45)
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