GALLE, August 18: Team India tightened its grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka, setting the hosts a massive 372-run target for victory on Day 4 at the Galle International Stadium. India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, leaving Sri Lanka with a challenging chase.
India’s second innings was powered by an aggressive 66 from Rishabh Pant, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed a valuable 44. Pant’s knock also saw him become the fastest batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket, underlining his attacking approach.
India had earlier posted 462 in the first innings, with Padikkal producing a magnificent 167. Sri Lanka responded with 284, giving India a substantial first-innings lead before the visitors pushed the target beyond 370.
The 372-run target is already higher than the highest successful chase at Galle, where Pakistan chased 344 against Sri Lanka in 2022. With India’s spinners expected to play a major role on the turning surface, Sri Lanka face a huge battle to stay alive in the opening Test.
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