Nagpur: India capped off another dominating day on the field as comeback man Murali Vijay and the ever-reliable Cheteshwar Pujara struck hundreds to take India to a formidable 107-run lead at the VCA stadium on Saturday.
Vijay, who had got off to a watchful start on Friday looked at his absolute best as he played his beautiful flowing drives to help himself to his 10th Test century. He had an equally able and determined partner in Pujara at the other end who now has now the unique record of batting on all days of this series played so far.
The Saurashtra batsman, who had got a half-century in the first innings of the first Test built a massive 209-run lead with Vijay as the duo dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers and helped India stronger control on the game.
The partnership which looked good enough to continue throughout the day before Vijay fell to Rangana Herath for a well-made 128.
However Pujara (121 n.o) and skipper Virat Kohli (54 n.o) stitched a solid 96-run unbeaten stand that they would like to continue for a good time on the third day as well, in order to help India to a huge first innings total.
Brief scores-
India 312/2 (Murali Vijay 128, Cheteshwar Pujara 121 n.o; Rangana Herath 1/45) lead Sri Lanka 205 by 107 runs