Galle Test Update: At Galle International Cricket Stadium, by the end of the fourth day of the first Test match India vs Sri Lanka being played between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian team has firmly strengthened its hold on the match. Chasing a massive target of 372 runs, the Sri Lankan team had lost 4 crucial wickets for just 84 runs by the end of the fourth day. Now, on the final and fifth day of the match, India needs only 6 wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, while Sri Lanka still requires another 288 runs to win.
INDIA VS SRI LANKA
1. India’s first innings: Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliant century:
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the North Indian team posted a huge score of 462 runs in their first innings. Young Indian batsman Devdutt Padikkal played an excellent innings of 167 runs, displaying superb technique and patience. In addition, experienced batsman K. L. Rahul contributed 82 runs, and Dhruv Jurel added an important 51 runs.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya tried to restrict the Indian batsmen and took 4 wickets, but the Indian team succeeded in compiling a strong total.
2. Sri Lanka’s first innings: Dinesh’s fighting century:
In response India vs Sri Lanka match to India’s 462 runs, North Sri Lanka had a very poor start. Indian bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, taking 5 wickets for just 90 runs. During this difficult period, Sonal Dinusha scored his first memorable Test century (100*). Together with Niroshan Dickwella (80 runs), he built an important 146-run partnership for the sixth wicket, allowing Sri Lanka to finish their first innings at 284 runs and avoid the danger of a follow-on.
For India, spinner Manav Suthar took the most wickets with 4, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3 wickets. Based on the first innings, India gained a commanding lead of 178 runs.
3. India’s second innings: Target set of 372 runs:
In the second innings, the Indian team adopted a strategy of building quick runs. Although a few middle-order wickets fell early, thanks to Devdutt Padikkal’s 44 runs and Rishabh Pant’s explosive 66 runs off 69 balls, India finished their second innings at 193 runs.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando took 4 wickets. Adding that to the first innings’ 178-run lead, India set Sri Lanka an almost impossible target of 372 runs to win.
4. End of the 4th day: Sri Lanka falters amid early setbacks:
Chasing a target of 372, Northern Sri Lanka’s second innings got off to another frustrating start. Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj quickly sent opener Nishan Madushka (6) back to the pavilion. Then spinner Manav Suthar showed his form by dismissing Pasindu Sooriya Bandara (0) and Lahiru Udara (16). Famous Krishna picked up Kamindu Mendis (2), leaving Sri Lanka at 84/4.
5. Current match scenario:
India vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s score: 84/4 (34 overs)
Batsmen at crease: Dhananjaya de Silva (31) and Soneal Dinusha (25)
Runs needed to win: Sri Lanka needs 288 runs.
India’s chance: India needs just 6 wickets to win.
Result:
On the fifth day, match India vs Sri Lanka, the pitch in Galle is expected to help the spin bowlers a lot. Considering the form the Indian bowlers are in, it looks like India could wrap up the match in the very first session of the fifth day. For Sri Lanka, saving or winning this match has become a big challenge.
