IND vs SL 1st Test Day 5: India need six wickets to complete a series-opening victory after setting Sri Lanka a target of 372 in Galle. Rain remains the biggest threat to India's push for a 1-0 lead.

India are within touching distance of victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, but the weather could yet complicate their push for a series-opening win. Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on Wednesday with captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha at the crease after ending Day 4 at 84/4.

At the latest update, Sri Lanka had moved to 96/4, still needing 276 runs to reach India's target of 372. India require six more wickets to complete a comprehensive victory.

India Set A Challenging Target

India's second innings ended at 193, giving Sri Lanka a target of 372. Rishabh Pant provided the attacking impetus with a valuable 66, helping India maintain pressure despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Pant's innings also carried a personal milestone. He became the fastest batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket, adding another landmark to his already impressive career.

India's first innings had produced a massive 462, powered by Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century. Sri Lanka responded with 284, leaving India in a commanding position before the final innings.

Sri Lanka Face Tough Chase

Sri Lanka began their chase under considerable pressure after losing four wickets. Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha provided resistance and looked to counter India's bowling attack rather than simply defend.

Dhananjaya remained unbeaten at the close of Day 4 on 31, while Dinusha was unbeaten on 25. The pair's partnership gave the hosts a brief window of hope, but Sri Lanka still require a substantial number of runs on a challenging fifth-day surface.

Suthar Emerges As Key Bowler

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar could play a decisive role as India attempt to take the remaining six wickets. He struck twice late on Day 4 and helped expose Sri Lanka's middle order.

The Galle surface has offered noticeable turn, making spin an important factor as the Test reaches its final stage. India can also call on Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while Mohammed Siraj provides a pace option from the other end.

Siraj Keeps Pressure On

Mohammed Siraj opened the day's bowling from one end and delivered a disciplined spell, conceding only two runs in one of the early overs. India need to maintain pressure and avoid allowing the Sri Lankan batters to settle.

The strategy is straightforward: attack the stumps, use the rough areas and force Sri Lanka's batters to play against the turning ball. Any early breakthrough could expose the lower order and bring India rapidly closer to victory.

Rain Remains Major Threat

Weather remains India's biggest concern. Rain has already disrupted this Test, reducing playing time during earlier days and creating uncertainty around the final session.

Forecast concerns for Galle mean India may not get a full day's play to take the remaining wickets. The longer Sri Lanka's batting pair survives, the greater the possibility that interruptions could affect India's chances of forcing a result.

Pant Adds Another Landmark

Rishabh Pant's 66 was one of the defining contributions of India's second innings. His aggressive approach allowed India to increase the lead quickly after Sri Lanka had taken wickets.

Pant's latest milestone also underlined his attacking style in Test cricket. His 100th Test six came during an innings that helped India move from a competitive position to one of clear dominance.

India's overall advantage comes from contributions across the match, with Padikkal's 167 in the first innings providing the foundation for the visitors' imposing total.

India Target 1-0 Series Lead

India need six wickets to finish the Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must produce an extraordinary batting effort to chase down 372 on a deteriorating Galle pitch.

The latest IND vs SL 1st Test Day 5 situation remains heavily tilted towards India, but rain could prevent the visitors from converting their advantage into victory. The next few sessions will therefore depend on two factors: how quickly India's bo