India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: India turn the screw in Galle, beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs
India produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The victory was built on a commanding batting display and a superb bowling performance led by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who finished with a 10-wicket match haul.
Chasing 372 for victory, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in their second innings on the final day.
Suthar was the chief architect of India's victory, claiming 6/55 in the second innings after taking four wickets in the first innings.
His match figures of 10/131 marked a memorable performance and helped India break through Sri Lanka's resistance on a pitch where the hosts had hoped to make their spin-heavy attack count.
India had set themselves up strongly earlier in the Test after posting 460/9 declared in their first innings.
Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer with the bat, producing a magnificent 167, his maiden Test century.
His innings provided India with the foundation to build a substantial first-innings total despite Sri Lanka's spinners making an impact during the middle stages.
Sri Lanka responded with 284 in their first innings, giving India a sizeable 178-run advantage. Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja were instrumental with the ball, sharing seven wickets as India established control of the contest.
India then consolidated their position in the second innings. Rishabh Pant contributed a brisk 66, while Padikkal added 44 to help India set Sri Lanka the imposing target of 372.
The target was beyond the highest successful fourth-innings chase recorded at Galle, leaving the hosts with a formidable task.
Sri Lanka ended the fourth day at 84/4, needing another 288 runs for an unlikely victory.
Suthar had already made an impact by then, taking two wickets in the final session after his four-wicket haul in the first innings. India entered the final day firmly in control, with six wickets required to complete the win.
The hosts showed some resistance on the final morning, but India's bowling attack gradually dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order.
Suthar returned to deliver the decisive blows, finishing with six wickets and completing his 10-wicket haul. His performance ensured that Sri Lanka could not sustain the fight and were eventually dismissed for 206.
The victory gives India an important early advantage in the two-match Test series and marks a strong start to their campaign in Sri Lanka.
It was also a significant team effort, with Padikkal's marathon 167 providing the batting platform and Suthar's match-winning spell completing the job with the ball.
With India now leading 1-0, attention will turn to the second and final Test, where Sri Lanka will need a strong response to level the series.
At the same time, India will look to carry the momentum from their comprehensive Galle victory.