India six wickets away from victory at Galle
India go into the final day of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka needing just six wickets for victory, after a gripping fourth day at the Galle International Stadium left the result finely poised but heavily in India's favour.
This is a live match position, not a final result -- Day 5 play on 19 August 2026 will decide it.
Where the match stands after Day 4
- India: 462 & 193 (second innings, bowled out)
- Sri Lanka: 284 & 84/4, chasing 372
- Target: Sri Lanka need 288 more runs on the final day
- India need: 6 wickets
How India set up the position
India resumed Day 4 with a 178-run second-innings lead and were bowled out for 193, with Rishabh Pant's aggressive 66 the standout innings, backed by KL Rahul's 35 and Devdutt Padikkal's 44. That left Sri Lanka needing 372 to win -- a genuinely difficult target on a wearing pitch.
Sri Lanka's chase begins poorly
Mohammed Siraj struck early to remove Nishan Madushka, and further breakthroughs from Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna left the hosts four down. Dhananjaya de Silva (31 not out) and Sonal Dinusha (25 not out) have dug in to close the gap, but the equation remains firmly in India's control heading into the final day.
India need six wickets. Sri Lanka need 288 runs. One day of play decides the series opener.
2nd Test: dates and venue
Regardless of how the first Test finishes, the series moves to Colombo immediately after.
- Dates: 23-27 August 2026
- Venue: SSC Ground, Colombo
That leaves a short turnaround of only three days between Tests -- worth watching for how much either side rotates its pace attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the score in the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test?
After Day 4, India have posted 462 and 193. Sri Lanka are 284 and 84/4, chasing a target of 372. India need six wickets to win; Sri Lanka need 288 runs.
Who scored runs for India in the second innings at Galle?
Rishabh Pant top-scored with 66, with contributions from Devdutt Padikkal (44) and KL Rahul (35) as India were bowled out for 193.
When is the India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test?
23 to 27 August 2026, at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
Where is the 1st Test being played?
The Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka. The match runs 15 to 19 August 2026, with the result to be decided on the final day.
Who has taken wickets for India in Sri Lanka's second innings?
Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna have each struck, reducing Sri Lanka to 84/4 in their chase of 372.