Ahmedabad, Dec 20: Punjab duo of Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh took Sri Lanka apart with the ball and bat respectively to place India in total command on the third day of the third and final cricket Test here today.

Off spinner Harbhajan Singh spun a web around the Lankans in their first innings to skittle them out for 206 before lunch with a magnificent haul of 7 for 62, his 17th plus-five wickets in his 50th Test.

The bowling heroics of the off spinner, who had sent the tourists scampering for cover with his spin magic late last evening when he took 4 wickets in 30 balls for 9 runs, were followed by Yuvraj's brilliant innings of 75 off 83 balls on a difficult pitch.

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The Punjab left-hander's efforts propelled India to 287 for nine in their second essay after having made 398 in their first. 

The last wicket pair of Anil Kumble (23) and Harbhajan (19) were at the crease when stumps were drawn for the day. 

The hosts are ahead of the visitors, seeking first Test win in India and trailing the home team 0-1 in the series, by 479 runs. 

Marvan Atapattu's men now face the daunting task of defying the Indian spinners on a wicket offering copious turn and unpredictable bounce for almost two days. (Agencies)

Published: Tuesday, December 20, 2005