India remained firmly in control of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after an eventful fourth day on Tuesday. Sri Lanka reached 84/4 at stumps and still need 288 runs to chase down a target of 372, with six wickets in hand.

India, who resumed their second innings on 81/3, were bowled out for 193 in 48.5 overs. Rishabh Pant provided a crucial boost with an attacking half-century, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed a useful 30-plus score. Sri Lanka’s Ashita Fernando was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets as the hosts used short-pitched bowling effectively.

Chasing 372, Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start. India’s bowlers quickly reduced them to 34/3, with Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna making important breakthroughs. Suthar continued his excellent match by dismissing Pasindu and Udara, taking his match tally to five wickets.

Mohammed Siraj also struck early, removing Madhushka, while Prasidh Krishna dismissed Kamindu Mendis.

Dhananjaya de Silva survived a scare when he edged Ravindra Jadeja to slip, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball. He remained unbeaten on 31 at stumps alongside Sonal Dinusha, who was on 25.

India had earlier posted 462 in their first innings, powered by Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliant 167. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, giving India a 178-run first-innings lead.

With the pitch offering increasing assistance to the spinners, India will start Day 5 as overwhelming favourites to complete a victory.