India moved to a lead of 297 runs with five wickets in hand after three days of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Delhi.
It was a day in which India dominated, firstly by quickly wrapping up Sri Lanka's first innings for 230 to have a lead of 60 runs.
Leg-spinner Anil Kumble took six wickets for 72 runs.
India then opened its second innings with fast bowler Irfan Pathan showing his batting skills to score 93 runs. While other top flight batsmen floundered against the visiting attack, Pathan took the challenge up and played a fine innings while batting with good speed.
He proved capable of handling anything Sri Lanka could throw at him and he wasn't afraid to pull attempted bouncers from Dilhara Fernando.
He and captain Rahul Dravid took the score through to 178 before Pathan fell leaving India four wickets down. Dravid was run out soon after for 53 but Sourav Ganguly (22 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (28not out) took the side through until stumps.
They ensured that Sri Lanka, with two days to play, will already face a record run chase at Delhi if it is to win.
One bright spot for Sri Lanka during the day was Chaminda Vaas' 300th Test wicket, the second Sri Lankan bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan to achieve the milestone.
