Galle, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ravindra Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna struck in the morning session as India moved closer to a commanding victory in the first Test, reducing Sri Lanka to 175/6 at lunch on Day Five at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka, chasing 373 for victory, reached 175/6 after 67 overs, leaving India needing just four more wickets to complete the win. The hosts trail by 197 runs with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 65.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinusha offered strong resistance early in the session, adding 95 runs off 202 deliveries for the fifth wicket. Both batters showed considerable patience on a pitch offering variable bounce as they negotiated the Indian attack for the opening 90 minutes.
De Silva brought up his half-century by cutting Jadeja through point for four, while Dinusha reached his fifty in emphatic fashion by launching Kuldeep Yadav over deep midwicket for a six.
India finally broke the partnership when Jadeja produced sharp turn and bounce from a fuller delivery angled towards the stumps. De Silva attempted a sweep but top-edged the ball to Manav Suthar at short fine leg, departing for 59.
Krishna then delivered another blow, removing wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella for 10. Dickwella, who had struggled for fluency, edged a back-of-a-length delivery outside leg stump behind the wicket, where Rishabh Pant completed the catch.
Keshara Nuwantha joined Dinusha and helped Sri Lanka negotiate the remaining overs before lunch without further damage.
With the second new ball due in 13 overs, India will look to wrap up the match in the afternoon session.
The Test is particularly significant for India as it marks their 600th Test match.
Brief scores: India 462 & 193; Sri Lanka 284 & 175/6 in 67 overs (Sonal Dinusha 65 not out, Dhananjaya de Silva 59; Prasidh Krishna 2/16, Manav Suthar 2/46). Sri Lanka trail by 197 runs.
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