India poised for Galle victory as Sri Lanka chase improbable 372
Rishabh Pant’s century and Manav Suthar’s bowling figures put pressure on hosts chasing World Test Championship spot
India stands on the precipice of victory in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle, requiring just six more wickets to secure the win on the final day. The hosts, chasing a target of 372, ended the day’s play at 84 for four, leaving them with a significant deficit to overcome in what is shaping up to be a decisive moment for the 2027 World Test Championship standings.
The Indian innings was anchored by a blistering century from Rishabh Pant, who became the first Indian and the fastest batter in Test cricket history to reach 100 sixes. His contribution, including a crucial half-century that rescued India from 120 for five, helped them post 193 after earlier slipping in their first innings. This total set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372 runs.
In response, Sri Lanka’s top order collapsed to 47 for four before recovering slightly. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 31, providing a steady presence alongside Sonal Dinusha, who finished the day on 25 not out. The pair faced a disciplined Indian attack that exploited the spin-friendly conditions of the Galle pitch.
Indian bowlers applied consistent pressure throughout the day’s proceedings. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the most potent threat, taking two wickets to finish with impressive match figures of six for 106 in his first away Test. His spell included the dismissal of debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who was introduced as a concussion substitute for the injured Dinesh Chandimal and was trapped leg before wicket by the first ball he faced.
Pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also made significant contributions, claiming one wicket each. Siraj dismissed opener Nishan Madhushka Fernando, while Krishna struck in his first over to remove Kamindu Mendis. Sri Lanka’s hopes were further dampened by a reprieve for de Silva, who was given a catch at first slip off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, only for the overstepping umpire to rule it no ball.
The task ahead for Sri Lanka appears increasingly improbable. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Galle is 344 for six, achieved by Pakistan in 2022. With 288 runs still required and only six wickets remaining, India is well positioned to claim a victory that would keep them firmly in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
