India moved within touching distance of victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka after a dominant fourth day in Galle, leaving the hosts struggling at 84/4 at stumps. Set a daunting 372-run target on a deteriorating surface, Sri Lanka were unable to withstand India’s disciplined bowling attack and now need 288 more runs on the final day with only six wickets in hand.

Rishabh Pant’s counter-attacking knock changes the game

India began the day with one clear objective: score quickly and give themselves enough time to bowl Sri Lanka out before weather or fading light could become a factor. However, the hosts struck early when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed without scoring, followed soon after by captain Shubman Gill for just eight.

Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul then steadied the innings with useful contributions of 44 and 35 respectively. But it was Rishabh Pant who provided the decisive spark.

The wicketkeeper-batter produced an entertaining 66 from 69 balls, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive strokeplay disrupted Sri Lanka’s plans and ensured India maintained a healthy scoring rate. Even though the visitors lost their final five wickets for only 19 runs, they were eventually bowled out for 193, setting Sri Lanka an imposing target.

Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya keep Sri Lanka in the contest

Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler during India’s second innings. Making excellent use of reverse swing, movement and uneven bounce, he repeatedly troubled the Indian lower order.

Fernando finished with impressive figures of 4/31, while Prabath Jayasuriya provided valuable support with 3/43. Their combined effort prevented India from pushing the target beyond 400 and gave Sri Lanka at least a mathematical chance of chasing the total. However, the hosts’ batting performance in the final session quickly erased much of that optimism.

India’s bowlers tear through Sri Lankan top order

Sri Lanka’s chase began on a disastrous note. Mohammed Siraj delivered the first major blow by dismissing Nishan Madushka for six, immediately putting pressure on the home side.

Manav Suthar then emerged as India’s chief destroyer. The spinner trapped concussion substitute Pasindu Sooriyabandara lbw for a golden duck before dismissing Lahiru Udara for 16. Prasidh Krishna added another crucial breakthrough when he removed Kamindu Mendis, who had impressed earlier in the match, for only two. At 47/4, Sri Lanka were staring at a potential collapse and India’s victory appeared increasingly inevitable.

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Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha delay the inevitable

Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha finally provided Sri Lanka with some much-needed resistance. The pair remained unbeaten through the final stages of play, adding 37 runs for the fifth wicket. De Silva finished the day unbeaten on 31, while Dinusha was 25 not out. Their patient approach helped Sri Lanka survive a challenging period against India’s spinners and aggressive field settings.

With 288 runs still required, the hosts face an enormous task on the final morning. India, meanwhile, will look to strike early and complete what could be a comprehensive victory in Galle.

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