Riding on a scintillating spell of 6‑55 from young left‑arm spinner Manav Suthar, India wrapped up a dominant 165‑run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.
Playing in just his second Test, Suthar claimed six wickets in the second innings to finish with a match haul of 10‑101, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs in Galle’s 50th Test match. The resounding result gave India a 1‑0 lead in the two‑match series and secured 12 crucial World Test Championship points in what was also their milestone 600th Test match.
Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha, who had scored a century in the first innings, fought valiantly with an 84, but Suthar’s devastating triple‑wicket maiden in the 76th over turned the contest decisively in India’s favour.
India’s victory was also anchored by Devdutt Padikkal’s magnificent 167 in the first innings, which set up a 178‑run cushion, while Rishabh Pant’s 66 in the second innings ensured the bowlers had enough runs to exploit the turning surface.
With the win, India head into the second and final Test in Colombo on Sunday with momentum firmly on their side.
