The Indian men’s cricket team clinched a dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka on Day 5 of the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar delivered a masterclass in spin bowling. He claimed a sensational 10-wicket match haul to dismiss the hosts for 206 in their chase of 372. The clinical win gives India an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
Suthar’s Six-Wicket Haul Crumbles Sri Lanka’s Chase
Manav Suthar led India’s bowling charge on the final day with deadly accuracy on a deteriorating surface. Suthar picked up six wickets in the second innings. He added to his four-wicket haul from the first innings to complete a memorable 10-wicket match performance. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna provided early breakthroughs by dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order. Meanwhile, veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja maintained constant pressure from the other end.
Sonal Dinusha’s Lone Fight Ends in Vain
Sri Lanka mounted a brief fightback through a resolute partnership between captain Dhananjaya de Silva and middle-order batter Sonal Dinusha. Dinusha followed his first-innings century with a gritty 81 runs, using the sweep shot skillfully against the turning ball. However, the Indian bowlers broke the stand shortly after lunch. They wiped out the lower order in quick succession to wrap up the match in 77.4 overs.
Dominant All-Round Performance Seals 1-0 Series Lead
India controlled the Test match right from the opening day after posting a massive 462 runs in their first innings, anchored by a superb century from Devdutt Padikkal. Rishabh Pant’s explosive 66 runs in the second essay ensured India set a daunting target of 372. This put victory out of reach for the hosts. The comprehensive 165-run triumph hands India vital World Test Championship points as both teams head to the second and final Test.
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