Manav Suthar produced a sensational spell after Lunch as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, sealing a commanding victory and earning 12 World Test Championship points.
Chasing 372, Sri Lanka resumed the final day with hope as captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha frustrated the Indian bowlers with a disciplined partnership. The duo added 95 runs, defending confidently and using the crease well against the turning ball.
Ravindra Jadeja finally broke the stand by dismissing de Silva for 59, caught at short fine leg while attempting a sweep. The wicket brought Niroshan Dickwella to the crease, but the left-hander’s attacking approach did not last long. After exchanging words with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dickwella slashed at Prasidh Krishna and edged behind to Rishabh Pant.
Dinusha continued to battle and looked set for another century, reaching 84 while keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive. However, Suthar completely changed the game after the Lunch break.
The left-arm spinner struck immediately, dismissing Dinusha before removing Prabath Jayasuriya with the very next ball. Although Lahiru Kumara survived the hat-trick delivery, he fell just four balls later to hand Suthar his fifth wicket of the innings.
Suthar returned once again to clean up Keshara Nuwantha, completing a brilliant six-wicket haul and finishing with 10 wickets in the match. His outstanding performance wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings for 206 and secured India’s 165-run victory.
Earlier in the match, India had posted 462 in the first innings before adding 193 in the second, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372.
Brief Scores: India 462 & 193 beat Sri Lanka 284 & 206 all out by 165 runs. Sonal Dinusha 84, Dhananjaya de Silva 59; Manav Suthar 6/55 (10 wickets in the match), Prasidh Krishna 2/16.
