Pant, Suthar Star as India Tighten Their Grip on the Contest

Rishabh Pant’s explosive 66-run knock set the tone before debutant Manav Suthar took over, picking up a crucial 2/30 to rip through Sri Lanka’s top order. By the end of Day 4 at Galle, the hosts were left reeling at 84/4, leaving India completely in control of the opening Test.

India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, but their 178-run first-innings lead gave them a total lead of 371. Sri Lanka finished the day on 84/4, leaving them with a huge task on the final day.

Pant Leads India’s Second Innings

India began the day looking to add runs quickly. Yashasvi Jaiswal edged the third ball behind, while KL Rahul fell after trying to hit another six. Shubman Gill was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya while attempting a sweep.

Devdutt Padikkal looked more comfortable after his century in the first innings. But Rishabh Pant changed the pace of the innings with his attacking shots. He stepped out and hit Lahiru Kumara for a six over cover.

Pant was dropped on 28, but Sri Lanka did not get another chance. He reached his fifty with a pull over fine leg and also brought up his 100th six in Test cricket. Kumara eventually dismissed him for 66 with another short ball.

Pant was the only batter to offer much resistance as Sri Lanka’s quicks used the short ball to clean up India’s lower order.

Sri Lanka Stumble in the Chase

Sri Lanka’s chase then got off to a poor start. Nishan Madushka was caught at long leg while trying to hook Mohammed Siraj. Dinesh Chandimal, who was injured while fielding, could not bat, so Pasindu Sooriyabandara came in as a concussion substitute. He was out for a golden duck, leaving Sri Lanka at 14/2.

Prasidh Krishna then removed Kamindu Mendis, who got a top edge after the ball rose sharply from the pitch. Sri Lanka were soon 21/3. Manav Suthar added two wickets to India’s advantage. His second wicket came when Dhruv Jurel took a sharp catch at gully to dismiss Lahiru Udara. Ravindra Jadeja remained without a wicket, despite finding the edge of Dhananjaya de Silva’s bat. He was called for overstepping, giving Sri Lanka a reprieve. De Silva and Sonal Dinusha then managed to survive until the close.

But Sri Lanka still need 288 more runs to win. Only twice have Sri Lanka chased more than 350 in Test cricket. With India having the advantage and a fifth-day pitch expected to help the bowlers, Sri Lanka will face a tough final day.

Follow Cricbites for the latest cricket updates, match schedules, player news, records, rankings and expert insights from around the world.