Rishabh Pant’s blazing 66 and a fiery bowling spell from Siraj, Suthar, and Prasidh put India just six wickets away from victory in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
Introduction:
India moved within six wickets of a memorable Test victory in Galle after dominating Day 4 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Powered by an explosive batting display from Rishabh Pant and a hostile evening bowling effort, the visitors set a massive target of 372 runs before reducing the hosts to 84/4 by stumps. Sri Lanka now face a near-impossible task, still requiring 288 runs on a rapidly deteriorating track on the final day. See also: India In Command After Bowling Out Sri Lanka for 284
Pant’s Fearless Counterattack Sets the Tone
Resuming their second innings on a pitch offering steep bounce and sharp turn, India needed quick runs to take the game completely away from Sri Lanka. Rishabh Pant stepped up with typical audacity, smashing an entertaining 66 off just 69 deliveries. Striking eight boundaries and two massive sixes, Pant not only punished loose deliveries but also entered the record books as the first Indian batter to hit 100 Test sixes.
Supported by steady contributions from Devdutt Padikkal (44) and KL Rahul (35), India posted 193 before being bowled out shortly before tea. This gave the visitors a commanding overall lead of 371 runs.
Indian Pacers Strike Early Blows
Chasing a historic target of 372 at the Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka’s top order immediately felt the heat against India’s disciplined pace attack. Mohammed Siraj set the tone with relentless hostility and movement, removing opener Nishan Madushka with a well-directed bouncer.
Soon after, tall fast bowler Prasidh Krishna extracted sharp bounce from a good length, unsettling the Lankan batters and picking up a crucial breakthrough to keep the opposition pinned on the back foot.
Suthar Leaves Sri Lanka Stumbling
With the fast bowlers breaking Sri Lanka’s resistance, young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar capitalized on the worn surface. Suthar bowled with remarkable control and flight, trapping Pasindu Sooriyabandara leg-before on his very first delivery before deceiving Lahiru Udara to finish with two wickets before the close of play. Sri Lanka found themselves reeling at 84/4, with captain Dhananjaya de Silva (31 not out) and Sonal Dinusha (25 not out) battling hard through the final overs to take the match into Day 5.
India on the Brink of Victory
With the Galle pitch continuing its notorious breakdown, batting is expected to become even more treacherous on Day 5. The Indian spinners and seamers will look to wrap up the remaining six wickets quickly in the morning session. Unless the Lankan tail mounts a miraculous resistance, India look primed to seal a resounding victory and take a 1-0 series lead.