India moved to within six wickets of victory in the Galle Test after a commanding fourth day that left Sri Lanka facing a massive target of 372.
Starting with a lead of 178, India focused on extending the advantage while keeping the scoreboard moving. Rishabh Pant played the key innings, scoring 66 from 69 balls on a surface offering sharp turn and uneven bounce. His counterattacking effort included his 100th six in Test cricket, reached while bringing up his half century.
Sri Lanka fought back through Asitha Fernando, who claimed 4 for 31, the best bowling figures by a Sri Lankan fast bowler at home since Suranga Lakmal took 4 for 29 in 2019. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell while attempting a cut, while KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal added 65 before Sri Lanka struck regularly through the middle of the innings.
Pant ensured India continued to score despite the difficult conditions, using inventive strokes against both pace and spin. India were eventually dismissed with a lead of 371, giving their attack four sessions to take ten wickets.
The bowlers responded strongly. Mohammed Siraj removed Nishan Madushka with a short ball, while Manav Suthar dismissed debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara first ball. Prasidh Krishna then produced a disciplined spell of 5 overs, 2 maidens, 9 runs and 1 wicket, removing Kusal Mendis.
Suthar later struck again when Lahiru Udara edged to Dhruv Jurel at gully. Ravindra Jadeja briefly appeared to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva, but the delivery was ruled a no ball after a review. Sri Lanka ended the day four wickets down when bad light stopped play at 6.08pm.
With 280 overs already completed in the match, India will begin the final day needing six more wickets to complete victory, while Sri Lanka require a record chase to pull off an unlikely escape.
