India cemented their grip on the opening Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Day 4. Resuming their second innings with a solid 178-run first-innings advantage, India reached 65/1 in 14.3 overs.
The visitors expanded their total match lead to 243 runs. Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul held the fort to ensure India kept firm control despite a quick opening strike from the hosts.
Early Wicket for Sri Lanka Before Rahul and Padikkal Rebuild
Sri Lanka gained a bright moment on the third ball of the morning session. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando dismissed Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a three-ball duck. Jaiswal edged a wide delivery straight to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.
Unfazed by the early loss, first-innings centurion Devdutt Padikkal joined KL Rahul at the crease. Rahul counter-attacked smartly against spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, stepping down the track for a clean six over long-on.
Rahul moved to 35 off 47 balls while Padikkal added 27 off 40 deliveries. Their unbroken partnership stabilized the innings and steadily pushed Sri Lanka further out of contention.
Padikkal’s 167 and Dinusha’s Fighting Ton
India laid the groundwork for their dominance with a massive first-innings total of 462. Devdutt Padikkal scored a superb 167 off 230 balls to mark his maiden Test century. KL Rahul contributed 82 while Dhruv Jurel added 51.
Sri Lanka slumped to 90/5 in response against India’s spin attack. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar picked up 4/76, while veteran Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3/57.
A 146-run partnership between Niroshan Dickwella (80) and Sonal Dinusha (100) saved Sri Lanka from the follow-on, dragging the hosts to 284. India chose to bat again to set an insurmountable target in the fourth innings.
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