Mendis rose to prominence during the Asia Cup final

Spin sensation Ajantha Mendis broke a 62-year-old record to help Sri Lanka close in on a series win over India.

India lead the hosts by just 14 runs after being reduced to 161-5 in their second innings on day three of the third and final Test in Colombo.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara was finally out for 144 in Sri Lanka's 396.

Mendis's two wickets, which included Sachin Tendulkar, took his series total to 25 and broke Alec Bedser's record for the most wickets in a debut series.

"It is a phenomenal achievement. He came in when Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) needed support and he rose to the occasion well," said Sangakkara.

"He has gone beyond our expectations and the important thing for him is to keep learning."

Mendis won leg-before decisions against Parthiv Patel (one) and Tendulkar (14) as India struggled to cope with his spin in the final session.

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"It's disappointing that we have not performed as a batting unit. These are the guys who have won games for India. It's just a matter of not clicking. I don't know how it happened," said India's Harbhajan Singh.

"It's a good wicket to bat on and I hope we bat well on Monday. We are looking forward to a good partnership in the morning."

India started their second innings confidently as Virender Sehwag (34) and Gautam Gambhir (26) added a run-a-ball, 62-run opening stand.

However, debutant pace bowler Dammika Prasad made an important double strike after tea with Thilan Samaraweera pulling off a sharp catch in the gully to dismiss Sehwag and Gambhir chopping on to his stumps.

Veteran spinner Muralitharan then trapped Saurav Ganguly lbw with his doosra, with the decision standing despite the left-hander challenging umpire Mark Benson's decision.

Rahul Dravid provided the only glimmer of hope for the tourists, looking solid on 46 not out, and he will start day four at the crease with the injured VVS Laxman.

India's bowlers, missing the injured Ishant Sharma, were frustrated by Sri Lanka's batsmen when the hosts resumed their innings on Sunday morning.

Sangakkara added a further 37 runs to his overnight 107 before India captain Anil Kumble ended his seven-hour innings, but Prasanna Jayawardene contributed 49 and Prasad 36 to help Sri Lanka stretch their lead to a useful 147.