Galle: Rishabh Pant etched his name into the Test record books during India’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, becoming the fastest batter in the world to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Pant smashed a valuable 66 run innings as India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a challenging 372 run target. The left hander reached the milestone in just 4,918 balls, comfortably surpassing the previous record held by former Australia wicketkeeper batter Adam Gilchrist, who reached 100 Test sixes in 6,578 deliveries.
Pant’s aggressive approach once again proved crucial for India as the visitors built a substantial advantage despite losing wickets during their second innings. His ability to score quickly under pressure provided India with valuable runs and helped establish a sizeable target for the hosts.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Asitha Fernando, who claimed four wickets and played a key role in restricting India to 193.
India had already gained a significant advantage in the opening innings. After choosing to bat first, the visitors posted 462, with their batters putting Sri Lanka under pressure. The hosts were subsequently dismissed for 284, handing India a commanding 178 run first innings lead.
With a target of 372, Sri Lanka now face a difficult fourth innings challenge on a Galle surface where India will look to use the advantage of their substantial first innings lead and attack the hosts’ batting lineup.
Pant’s latest record adds another milestone to his Test career, highlighting his unique ability to combine aggressive stroke play with the demands of the longest format.
