India tightened their grip on the opening Test against Sri Lanka, setting the hosts a daunting 372‑run target after being bowled out for 193 in their second innings on day four.
The highest successful chase at Galle remains 344 by Pakistan in 2022, meaning Sri Lanka will need to rewrite history to win.
India had earlier claimed a 178‑run first‑innings lead after dismissing Sri Lanka for 284. In the second innings, Rishabh Pant smashed a quickfire 66 off 69 balls, becoming the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. Devdutt Padikkal (44) and KL Rahul (35) added valuable runs to stretch the lead.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando starred with 4/31, while Prabath Jayasuriya (3/43) and Lahiru Kumara (2/27) shared the remaining wickets. Batter Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for scans after injuring himself while fielding.
India’s aggressive approach has left Sri Lanka chasing a record total on a surface expected to deteriorate further. The hosts’ best fourth‑innings chase at Galle is 268 against New Zealand (2019), and they have never crossed 300 in a fourth innings at the venue.
With two days remaining, India’s bowlers will look to seal victory and take a 1‑0 lead in the two‑Test series.
