Rishabh Pant 100 Test Sixes: India Close in on Sri Lanka
# Rishabh Pant Hits 100 Test Sixes as India Move Closer to Galle Victory
Rishabh Pant became the first Indian batter to hit 100 Test sixes as India set Sri Lanka a target of 372 in Galle. Manav Suthar added crucial wickets.
India strengthened their position in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after a fourth day that produced a historic milestone for Rishabh Pant and another impressive performance from young spinner Manav Suthar.
Pant's attacking batting helped India establish a challenging target, while his 66-run innings also saw him become the first Indian batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka struggled during their chase and ended the day at **84/4**, leaving them 288 runs away from victory. India need only six wickets to win the Test.
Pant Reaches 100 Test Sixes
Rishabh Pant's latest achievement adds another remarkable chapter to his Test career.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter entered the match just three sixes short of 100. During India's second innings, he completed the landmark while scoring an aggressive 66.
Pant reached the milestone in his **51st Test**, making him the fastest batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
He also became only the fourth player in Test history to reach the mark, joining:
* Ben Stokes
* Brendon McCullum
* Adam Gilchrist
For Indian cricket, the record is particularly significant because Pant is the first Indian batter to achieve it.
A 66-Run Knock With Plenty of Impact
Pant's milestone came during an important innings for India.
The visitors needed to extend their advantage and give their bowlers enough runs to defend in the fourth innings.
Pant's aggressive 66 helped accelerate India's scoring.
His approach allowed India to maintain pressure on Sri Lanka even as wickets fell around him.
India eventually set Sri Lanka 372 runs to win.
Pant was dismissed after edging Lahiru Kumara behind the stumps, but his contribution had already helped India create a formidable target.
The innings once again demonstrated why Pant remains such an important player in India's Test lineup.
Manav Suthar Makes Sri Lanka’s Chase Difficult
India's advantage increased further when their bowlers took control.
Left-arm spinner **Manav Suthar** claimed two wickets for 30 runs in Sri Lanka's second innings.
Suthar has been one of India's notable performers in Galle. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface has given the visitors another effective weapon.
His wickets came at an important stage of Sri Lanka's chase and prevented the home side from building the partnerships they needed.
Suthar's performance has also highlighted India's depth in spin bowling.
Sri Lanka Finish on 84/4
Chasing 372 was always going to be a demanding challenge.
India's bowlers quickly put Sri Lanka under pressure.
By the close of Day 4, the hosts had fallen to **84/4**.
Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 31, while Sonal Dinusha was not out on 25.
The pair will have the difficult task of rebuilding the innings when play resumes.
Sri Lanka still need 288 runs, while India need six wickets.
The match is therefore firmly tilted in India's favour, although the final result remains to be decided.
Galle Conditions Favour India’s Spin Attack
The Galle surface is another factor working in India's favour.
As the Test progresses, spin can become increasingly influential, making run-scoring more difficult for batters.
India have several options available to exploit those conditions, with Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja providing variety in the spin department.
Sri Lanka will need to find a way to counter that threat.
Their best opportunity is likely to be building long partnerships and avoiding unnecessary attacking shots.
Can Sri Lanka Chase 372?
Sri Lanka face a substantial statistical challenge.
The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Galle is 344, achieved by Pakistan in 2022.
Sri Lanka need 288 more runs just to reach that territory.
A successful chase of 372 would therefore require one of the strongest fourth-innings batting performances seen at the venue.
The hosts still have batting resources available, but India's bowling attack has already demonstrated that wickets can come quickly.
Pant’s Milestone Reflects His Test Style
There is something appropriate about Pant reaching 100 Test sixes.
His Test career has been defined by aggressive strokeplay, fearless shot selection and the ability to change the momentum of a match.
Rather than treating Test cricket purely as a battle of patience, Pant has often used attacking batting as a method of putting pressure back on the opposition.
His latest 66 followed that familiar pattern.
The milestone also connects with his Test debut. Pant announced himself in Test cricket with a six against England in 2018. Years later, he has become the first Indian batter to reach 100 sixes in the format.
India Six Wickets From Victory
The equation heading into the final stage of the Test is straightforward:
Sri Lanka — 84/4
Target — 372
Runs required — 288
India wickets required — 6
India have created a strong position through a combination of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
Pant's 100th six provides the headline, while Suthar's wickets have helped India move closer to victory.
Sri Lanka, however, still have an opportunity to fight back.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha will be crucial when the final day's play begins. If they can establish a substantial partnership, India may have to work harder than expected for the remaining wickets.
Final-Day Battle Awaits
The Galle Test has already delivered a memorable milestone and several strong individual performances.
Rishabh Pant has entered the record books.
Manav Suthar has shown his value as a spin option.
India have created a 372-run target and reduced Sri Lanka to 84/4.
Now the final chapter awaits.
Sri Lanka need 288 runs.
India need six wickets.
The balance of the match clearly favours India, but the final day will decide whether Pant's historic 100th Test six becomes part of a winning performance for the visitors.
Quick Match Summary
* Rishabh Pant: 66 runs
* Pant's milestone: 100 Test sixes
* India's target: 372
* Sri Lanka: 84/4
* Runs required: 288
* India wickets required: 6
* Manav Suthar: 2/30 in the second innings
* Highest successful fourth-innings chase at Galle: 344
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Indian batter to hit 100 Test sixes?
Rishabh Pant became the first Indian batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket.
How many Tests did Pant need to reach 100 sixes?
Pant reached the milestone in his 51st Test, making him the fastest player to reach 100 Test sixes.
How many runs did Pant score in Galle?
Pant scored 66 runs in India's second innings.
How many runs does Sri Lanka need?
Sri Lanka require another 288 runs to chase India's target of 372.
How many wickets does India need?
India need six wickets to win the Test.
Who is Manav Suthar?
Manav Suthar is an Indian left-arm spinner who has emerged as an important part of India's bowling attack in the Galle Test.
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