Sri Lanka Need 372 Runs After India Posts 462, Pant Hits 100th Test Six

After a dominant first innings of 462, India set Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs to win the Galle Test. The target was shaped by Devdutt Padikkal’s commanding 167 and KL Rahul’s steady 82.

Sri Lanka’s reply in the first innings stalled at 284, leaving them 178 runs behind. The pressure intensified on day four as India began their second innings.

A fragile start saw opener Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed without scoring. KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal added 65 runs before Rahul’s wicket fell at 35. Subsequent dismissals of Gilchrist (8) and Padikkal (44) left the scoreboard on a precarious footing.

Despite the collapse, Rishabh Pant provided a silver lining with a 66‑run knock, including two sixes and eight fours. His second six marked his 100th six in Test cricket – a record for an Indian batsman.

Sri Lankan bowlers Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Ravindra Pushpakumara combined for 10 wickets, sharing 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively.

India’s innings wound down at 193 all out, leaving Sri Lanka the daunting task of scoring 372 runs with only one session left on day four and the full fifth day ahead. The pitch’s assistance to spinners adds another layer of complexity to the chase.