Colombo: With eighteen wickets in the last two Tests and five more here on the first day of the decisive third Test, Ajantha Mendis continues to haunt India's batsman. After debutant pacer Prasad through up cheaply after winning the toss and electing to bat here at the RPS Ground on Friday.

Gautam Gambhir top-scored with 72 but India would have struggled to reach even 249 had it not been for a 51 run stand for the last wicket between Ishant and Zaheer.

In reply, Sri Lanka were 14/1 at close with Ishant Sharma continuing to impress by castling Warnapura and giving Indian an early break through.

Brief score: Sri Lanka 14 for 1 trail India 249 (Gambhir 72, Mendis 5-56, Prasad 3-82) by 235 runs.