MUMBAI: Virender Sehwag was on course to become the first man to score three Test triple centuries, hitting an unbeaten 284 today to put India in command of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka.

At stumps on the second day, India were an imperious 443-1, in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings of 393. After just two days, it appeared Sri Lanka’s chances of getting a series-levelling victory were over.

Sehwag made the second-fastest double century in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 168 deliveries, compared to New Zealander Nathan Astle’s 153-ball effort against England in 2001-02. In all, he hit seven sixes and 40 fours off 239 deliveries, dominating two big partnerships with Murali Vijay (87) and Rahul Dravid (62 not out).

Sehwag, Australian legend Don Bradman and West Indian great Brian Lara are the only players to have scored two triple-centuries in Tests.

Sehwag’s triple-centuries were made against Pakistan at Multan in 2004 and against South Africa at Chennai in 2008. Sehwag shared a brisk 221-run opening stand with Vijay, who was the only India batsman dismissed today, leg before wicket to Rangana Herath after picking the wrong delivery to attempt a sweep. Filling in for Gautam Gambhir, who is missing this Test to attend his sister’s wedding, Vijay hit 10 boundaries.

Sehwag and Dravid then featured in an unbroken 222-run partnership for the second wicket. With Sehwag punishing the bowlers, Dravid was content to play the supporting role, hitting just five boundaries in his 121-ball knock. All Sri Lanka’s bowlers came in for severe punishment. Herath, the lone successful bowler, finished with the figures 1-112 in 22 overs, while ace offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan conceded 119 runs off his 20 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews fell just one run short of his maiden Test century when he was run out.

He pulled a short ball to deep square-leg, and tried a second run in his eagerness to complete the ton, but failed to beat Sachin Tendulkar’s accurate throw to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Mathews hit 15 boundaries off 131 deliveries.

Resuming at the overnight score of 366-8, Sri Lanka added 27 runs for the loss of their remaining two wickets. The visitors’ innings folded soon after the departure of Mathews, as last man Chanaka Welegedara (8) fell leg before wicket to Pragyan Ojha (3-101).

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was India’s most successful bowler with 4-112.