India takes a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series with a 165-run triumph over the hosts in Galle.
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar delivered a standout performance, taking 10 wickets to propel India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle. The win gives India a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series.
In only his second Test match, Suthar demonstrated exceptional control and precision, marking a historic milestone as India participated in their 600th Test match on Wednesday.
After taking four wickets in the first innings, Suthar continued his dominance in the second, finishing with figures of 6-55 and helping bowl Sri Lanka out for 206 shortly after lunch on the final day.
Chasing a target of 372, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggled to build significant partnerships, with the exception of Sonal Dinusha, who provided resistance in both innings.
Indian captain Shubman Gill expressed his satisfaction with the result. “We were in a comfortable position, though there was some uncertainty due to the weather, but the team responded excellently,” Gill stated.
Gill also commended the efforts of Suthar and the Indian batters for navigating a challenging, difficult pitch. “He has been bowling magnificently. He is a very promising talent who looks capable of a long career with India,” Gill added.
India claimed two quick wickets during the morning session after Sri Lanka resumed at 84-4, before swiftly dismantling the tail.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and first-innings centurion Dinusha attempted a recovery, putting on a 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket that lasted over two hours. De Silva, having been granted a reprieve by an early no-ball, was eventually dismissed by Suthar while attempting a sweep off Ravindra Jadeja.
“It was challenging to bat fourth in Galle,” de Silva noted. “India won the toss and set a strong total; once our batting faltered, we lost momentum quickly.”
Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, despite a helpful half-century in the first innings, failed to make an impact in the second, falling for 10 after being caught off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna.
Suthar triggered a late-order collapse with a triple-wicket maiden shortly after lunch. He subsequently claimed the final wicket of Keshara Nuwantha to complete his 10-wicket haul, as Sri Lanka was bowled out just 36 minutes after the break. The final four wickets fell for a mere seven runs, all claimed by Suthar.
The 25-year-old Dinusha (84) stood out for the hosts, showing great maturity in his fourth Test by effectively using his feet against the Indian spin attack. He was eventually dismissed by a bat-pad catch from Dhruv Jurel after a resilient 128-ball innings that included eight fours and a six.
India’s most consistent performer alongside Suthar was Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 167 and 44 after joining the side as a late injury replacement. “The pitch showed natural wear and tear, but it was a good Test wicket,” Padikkal remarked. “The turn increased significantly from the third day onwards; ultimately, it came down to which side executed their skill-set better.”
The two teams will next face each other in Colombo for the second Test, beginning this Sunday.