India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
India's victory was built on a strong first-innings performance and an outstanding bowling display from left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who played a decisive role in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up in the final innings. The win came in India's 600th Test match.
India, after opting to bat first, posted 462 in their opening innings. Devdutt Padikkal led the way with a superb 167, registering his maiden Test century. KL Rahul contributed 82, while Dhruv Jurel added a brisk 51. Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was the most successful home bowler, finishing with four wickets for 109 runs.
Sri Lanka responded with 284, giving India a 178-run first-innings advantage. Sonal Dinusha produced an outstanding century for the hosts, while Niroshan Dickwella made a valuable 80. India's spin attack again proved crucial, with Suthar taking four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three.
India then scored 193 in their second innings to set Sri Lanka a target of 372. Rishabh Pant provided an important contribution with an aggressive 66, helping India establish a commanding position despite a strong spell from Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka began the final innings with determination but lost four wickets for 84 by the close of play on day four. On the final day, Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha attempted to keep the hosts in the contest, but India's spinners eventually broke through the resistance.
Suthar emerged as the star of the final innings as India completed a comprehensive victory, bowling Sri Lanka out for 206 and securing a 165-run win. His performance capped an impressive match in which he made a major impact with the ball.
