India vs Sri Lanka entered a crucial phase on Day 4 of the first Test in Galle, with India building a lead of more than 300 runs.
India resumed their second innings with a 178 run first innings advantage. The visitors then lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early on the fourth morning.
Jaiswal fell for a duck off the third ball of the day’s play. However, KL Rahul responded with an attacking innings during the opening session.
Rahul scored 35 before Sri Lanka removed him. India then suffered another setback when captain Shubman Gill departed for eight runs.
Devdutt Padikkal also missed out on another half century. The left hander scored 44 before falling in the penultimate over before lunch.
India reached lunch with a 294 run lead after losing four wickets.
After the break, wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel also departed. His dismissal left India five wickets down in their second innings.
The visitors, however, remained in a strong position. Their sizeable first innings lead gave them room to set an imposing target for Sri Lanka.
India vs Sri Lanka Test turns into a battle against time
India took control of the Test after dismissing Sri Lanka for 284 in their first innings. Manav Suthar claimed four wickets for 76 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja took three for 57.
Sri Lanka also produced a major batting effort through Sonal Dinusha. He scored his maiden Test century and helped the hosts resist India’s bowling attack.
Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella added 146 runs for the sixth wicket. Their partnership delayed India’s push for a substantial first innings lead. Prasidh Krishna eventually dismissed Dickwella for 80.
Dinusha continued his resistance and completed his century. However, Suthar and Jadeja helped India finish the innings with a 178 run lead.
India now face an important decision over when to declare. Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara suggested a target between 350 and 375 runs.
Pujara said India need to leave enough time for their bowlers to take 10 wickets. Rain forecasts in Galle could also reduce the available playing time.
The result therefore depends not only on India’s batting but also on their declaration timing. Sri Lanka must chase a demanding target while India’s bowlers need enough overs to force a result.
India’s strong position has given them control of the Test. However, the remaining sessions could prove decisive as both teams look to secure an advantage in the opening match of the series.
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