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By Ishaan Kapoor — 18 August 2026 — 3 min read

India has gained a significant advantage in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, reducing the hosts to 84/4 by the end of Day 4. This strong bowling performance leaves Sri Lanka needing 288 runs on Day 5 to secure a victory.

The Indian team showcased a comprehensive performance on Day 4, recovering from a challenging start in their second innings to establish a competitive total. This effort has put considerable pressure on the home side as the match heads into its final day.

India’s Second Innings and Key Contributions

Sri Lanka began their bowling in India’s second innings effectively, securing an early wicket when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for no runs on the third ball of the day. Pace bowler Asitha Fernando was instrumental, achieving bowling figures of 4/31, while Prabath Jayasuriya contributed with 3/43, helping to contain India’s scoring early on.

Despite these early setbacks, India managed to score steadily through their first six wickets. However, the innings saw a shift as the final four wickets fell for just 19 runs, making it the shortest innings of the First Test so far. Nevertheless, India reached a total of 193, setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka.

A half-century from wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who scored 66 runs off 69 balls, was crucial in India’s batting effort. His innings included eight fours and two sixes. Devdutt Padikkal also played a significant role, scoring 44 runs and anchoring the innings, supported by contributions from KL Rahul who made 35.

Padikkal, who had scored a century in the first innings, mentioned focusing on technical adjustments, such as keeping his hands closer, and the mental shift required when moving between white-ball and red-ball formats.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Struggles and Injury Concerns

In response to India’s target, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup faced early difficulties due to India’s varied bowling attack. Young spinner Manav Suthar made an impact with figures of 30/2, and pacer Mohammed Siraj took two wickets, contributing to four dismissals overall.

Mohammed Siraj dismissed Nishan Fernando, whose pull shot was caught by Prasidh Krishna. Prasidh Krishna then claimed a wicket himself, removing Kamindu Mendis. Between these two wickets, Manav Suthar dismissed Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who had come in as a concussion substitute.

Sri Lanka also faced an injury blow when veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal was ruled out of the remainder of the Test due to a concussion. He sustained the injury while fielding on Day 4, hitting his shoulder and head. Although scans showed no injury, he did not pass the concussion test, leading to Pasindu Sooriyabandara being named as his substitute.

At the close of Day 4, Sri Lanka’s captain Dhananjaya de Silva (31) and first innings century-maker Sonal Dinusha (25) were at the crease. The highest successful run chase at the Galle stadium in Test cricket is 344, achieved by Pakistan in 2022, and a target exceeding 200 has been successfully chased only twice at this venue since 1998.

India currently holds the fifth position in the WTC Standings with a point percentage of 48.15, placing them one spot above Sri Lanka, who are sixth with a point percentage of 41.67, heading into the final day of the match.

Source: icc-cricket.com