India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle after a decisive bowling performance from Manav Suthar and a commanding 167 from Devdutt Padikkal.

GALLE: A superb six-wicket haul from all-rounder Manav Suthar helped India overcome Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

India posted 462 in their first innings before being dismissed for 193 in the second. Sri Lanka replied with 284 in their first innings and were bowled out for 206 in the fourth innings.

Suthar’s outstanding bowling performance proved decisive as India’s attack dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order and prevented the hosts from completing a challenging run chase.

Padikkal stars with 167

India’s commanding first-innings total was built around a brilliant performance from Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 167 runs.

Padikkal’s innings provided India with a strong platform and enabled the visitors to establish a substantial first-innings advantage.

For Sri Lanka, Sonal Dinusha was the standout batter in the opening innings, scoring a century to keep the hosts within touching distance of India’s total.

However, India’s bowlers eventually broke through and dismissed Sri Lanka for 284.

Suthar breaks Sri Lanka’s resistance

With Sri Lanka facing a demanding target in the final innings, Suthar produced the decisive spell of the match.

His six-wicket haul dismantled the hosts’ batting line-up and ensured that Sri Lanka could not build the partnerships required to mount a successful chase.

India’s pace bowlers also contributed significantly, particularly with the new ball. The visitors maintained disciplined lines and lengths and repeatedly put pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen.

The Galle surface offered assistance to spin, allowing Suthar to exploit the conditions effectively.

KL Rahul praises team effort

Reflecting on India’s victory, KL Rahul said the team was relieved to complete the win, particularly with rain having been forecast later in the day.

He described the contest as a great Test match and said the pitch had played well throughout.

Rahul noted that the surface offered something to the spinners, while batsmen who applied themselves were rewarded.

He also praised Sonal Dinusha for his approach during his century, particularly his confidence in playing the sweep shot and sticking with a method that had proved successful.

Rahul credited India’s fast bowlers for recognising the importance of the new ball and consistently hitting the right areas.

He said Sri Lanka had capable batsmen who were always likely to score runs, but India trusted that breaking one partnership could lead to a cluster of wickets.

India take crucial WTC step

The victory gives Shubman Gill’s India a 1-0 advantage in the two-match Test series and represents an important result in the World Test Championship (WTC) race.

The match was also India’s 600th Test, adding further significance to the victory.

Sri Lanka showed periods of resistance during the contest, particularly through Dinusha’s century, but India consistently found ways to regain control.

With one Test remaining, India now have the opportunity to seal the series, while Sri Lanka must win the second Test to level the contest.