GALLE, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka were left needing 288 more runs to win the first Test against India after reaching 84 for 4 at stumps on Day 4 at the Galle International Stadium. Chasing 372, Sri Lanka lost four wickets but Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha kept the hosts alive with an unbeaten 37-run partnership.
- Sri Lanka finished Day 4 on 84/4, still 288 runs short of the 372-run target.
- Dhananjaya de Silva was unbeaten on 31, while Sonal Dinusha was 25 not out.
- Manav Suthar took two wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed one each.
- India had earlier set the target after scoring 462 in the first innings and 193 in the second.
Sri Lanka Face Tough Final-Day Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase began badly when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Nishan Madushka Fernando for six. Manav Suthar then struck twice, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a first-ball duck and Lahiru Udara Igalagamage for 16.
Prasidh Krishna added another breakthrough by dismissing Kamindu Mendis for two, leaving Sri Lanka four wickets down for 47. The early collapse put India’s bowlers firmly in control of the final innings.
However, Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha resisted through the remaining overs. The pair added 37 runs without further damage before stumps, giving Sri Lanka a chance to extend the contest into the fifth day.
Dhananjaya De Silva and Sonal Dinusha Hold Firm
Dhananjaya remained unbeaten on 31 from 73 balls, striking three boundaries during a patient innings. Dinusha provided the more attacking approach, reaching 25 not out from 36 deliveries with four boundaries.
Their partnership moved Sri Lanka to 84 for 4 after 34 overs. India will need six more wickets to complete the innings, while Sri Lanka require 288 runs for what would be a remarkable successful chase.
India Build Strong Position After First-Innings Lead
India’s first innings produced a total of 462, with Devdutt Padikkal leading the scoring with a career-best 167. KL Rahul contributed 82, while Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant also passed fifty during India’s commanding total.
Sri Lanka were then dismissed for 284 in their first innings, giving India a lead of 178 runs. Sonal Dinusha was the hosts’ standout batter, scoring 100, while Niroshan Dickwella added 80.
Manav Suthar was India’s most successful bowler in that innings, taking four wickets. Ravindra Jadeja claimed three, while Kuldeep Yadav and the pace bowlers also contributed to the collapse.
India’s Second Innings Sets 372-Run Target
India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, with Rishabh Pant providing the main acceleration through a 66-run knock from 69 balls.
KL Rahul scored 35 and Devdutt Padikkal made 44, while the lower order could not add enough runs to extend India’s lead further. Asitha Fernando finished with four wickets for Sri Lanka, while Prabath Jayasuriya took three.
The final Indian wicket fell at 193 in 48.5 overs, leaving Sri Lanka with 372 to win the Test.
What Sri Lanka Need on Day 5
Sri Lanka need another 288 runs on the final day, with six wickets remaining. Dhananjaya and Dinusha will resume the chase, knowing that another early wicket could expose the lower order to India’s spin-heavy attack.
India, meanwhile, will look to break the unbeaten partnership quickly and finish the Test with the series advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sri Lanka’s score at the end of Day 4?
Sri Lanka finished Day 4 on 84 for 4 in their second innings, chasing 372 runs.
How many runs does Sri Lanka need to win the first Test?
Sri Lanka require 288 more runs on Day 5 to reach the target of 372 set by India.
What Happens Next
The fifth and final day will begin with Sri Lanka needing 288 runs and India requiring six wickets. Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha will resume the innings after successfully negotiating the final phase of Day 4.
With the match finely positioned between an Indian victory and a potential late Sri Lankan resistance, the final day’s opening session will be decisive.
Source: Match scorecard and ball-by-ball details supplied for the India tour of Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Galle.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
