Sri Lanka vs India Day 5: Galle Weather Report Ahead of Final Day

India are in a strong position heading into Day 5 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, but rain could yet complicate their push for victory in Galle.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 84/4 by stumps on Day 4 after India set them a target of 372. The hosts still need 288 runs to win, with six wickets remaining.

What is the weather forecast for Day 5 in Galle?

The opening hour is expected to remain mostly cloudy, but rain is forecast between 11am and 1pm local time.

According to the latest forecast, there is a 58% chance of rain at 12pm, making the two-hour window the biggest weather concern for the final day.

Another spell of rain is expected around 8pm, but that is unlikely to affect the Test if the match finishes within scheduled playing hours.

How could rain affect India’s chances of winning?

India have six Sri Lankan wickets to take, but the weather could reduce the amount of time available to their bowlers.

Sri Lanka need another 288 runs, meaning India remain overwhelming favourites based on the match situation. However, if rain forces a lengthy interruption, the hosts could gain valuable time to protect their wickets and play for a draw.

The key period could therefore be the morning session before the forecast rain arrives.

What happened on Day 4?

India took control after Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 66 helped them post 193 in their second innings.

Pant was supported by Devdutt Padikkal’s 44 and KL Rahul’s 35, with India setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372.

India’s bowlers then struck quickly in the fourth innings, reducing Sri Lanka to 84/4 at the close of play.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva was unbeaten on 31, while first-innings centurion Sonal Dinusha was on 25.

What is Sri Lanka’s highest successful chase at Galle?

Sri Lanka face a significant challenge given the venue’s history.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Galle is 344, achieved by Pakistan in 2022. Since 1998, a target of 200 or more has been successfully chased at the venue only twice.

Sri Lanka therefore need to produce a record-breaking effort if they are to overturn India’s advantage.

Can Sri Lanka chase 372 against India?

A successful 372-run chase would be an extraordinary result, particularly with Sri Lanka already four wickets down.

India need six more wickets to win, while Sri Lanka need another 288 runs. The weather could become the biggest variable if the hosts can survive the opening session.

With rain forecast between 11am and 1pm, the final day could ultimately become a race against time for India.