In a series of dominating developments, India have maintained a strong grip on the Galle Test right from the start. Riding on Devdutt Padikkal's 167-run knock, the visitors piled up 462 in their first innings before bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 to secure a commanding 178-run lead. India were then dismissed for 193 in their second innings on Day 4, but still managed to set Sri Lanka a massive target of 372 runs.
As of now, no team has successfully chased such a big target at Galle, and India's bowlers further strengthened their position by striking regularly late on the fourth day. Sri Lanka were reduced to 84/4 at Stumps, leaving them another 288 runs away from win. India, meanwhile, require just 6 wickets on the final day to wrap up the opening Test and take the lead in the series.
Underwhelming batting show from India in second innings
After Sri Lanka were dismissed for 284 on Day 3, rain prevented India from beginning their second innings, forcing them to resume proceedings on the Day 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who amassed 32 runs in the first innings, got out on a three-ball duck, while KL Rahul made 35 and skipper Shubman Gill managed only eight runs. Devdutt Padikkal again contributed a valuable 44 runs off 75 balls, hitting six fours, while Rishabh Pant dropped the biggest contribution with an aggressive 66 off 69 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.
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However, India's lower order offered little help as none of them reached double figures, resulting in the visitors being bowled out for 193. Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with four wickets, while Prabath Jayasuriya picked up three.
India need only four wickets
Despite being bowled out for just 193 in the second innings, India's first innings advantage helped them set Sri Lanka a massive 372-run target. The hosts endured a poor start to the chase with Mohammed Siraj giving India their first breakthrough in the seventh over before Manav Suthar dismissed Pasindu Sooriya Bandara for a golden duck to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 14/2. Suthar struck once again later in the innings, while Prasidh Krishna also joined the party as India continued to tighten their grip on the clash.
However, Sri Lanka managed to reach 84/4 at stumps on Day 4, with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 31 and Sonal Dinusha not out on 24. Suthar finished the day with two wickets, while Siraj and Krishna claimed one each. India will enter the final day needing six more wickets before Sri Lanka score the remaining 288 runs to win the first Test.