IND vs SL: The final day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle belonged entirely to the Indian bowlers. Chasing a target of 372, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in their second innings, and India won the match by 165 runs. The biggest story of India’s victory was young spinner Manav Suthar, who tormented the Sri Lankan batsmen throughout the match, taking 10 wickets.
He also claimed six wickets in the second innings. This match was also special for India, as it was the team’s 600th Test. To achieve victory at Galle, India needed to dismantle Sri Lanka’s lower order in the final innings, and Suthar proved his impact precisely there.
Sonal Dinusha, for Sri Lanka, held the innings together for a while, scoring 84 runs. With hism at the crease, the hosts’ hopes weren’t completely dashed, but the Indian spinners maintained the pressure. After dismissing Dinusha, Suthar virtually ended the Sri Lankan innings in the very next over.
Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match
He clean bowled Prabhat Jayasuriya off the first ball and had Lahiru Kumara caught by Rishabh Pant off the next. After losing three wickets in a single over, Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 206. As the match scorecard depicts, India scored 462 runs in the first innings, while Sri Lanka’s first innings ended at 284 runs.
Devdutt Padikkal was the biggest batting highlight in India’s first innings. He scored his maiden Test century with an innings of 167 runs and played a key role in helping the team reach a strong total. Padikkal was given a chance in this match due to the absence of Sai Sudharshan, and he made the most of the opportunity.
His innings was both composed and quick when needed. Batting against the Sri Lankan spinners on the Galle pitch was difficult, but Padikkal held his wicket for a long time and then converted his score into a big century. His innings of 167 runs was considered a crucial turning point in the match.
With this victory, Team India has maintained its winning streak in Tests against Sri Lanka, which has been ongoing since 2015. With this win, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. This victory has also somewhat strengthened India’s World Test Championship campaign.
Brief scores: India 462 & 193 beat Sri Lanka 284 & 206/10 (Sonal Dinusha 84, Dhananjaya de Silva 59; Manav Suthar 6-55, Prasidh Krishna 2-16) by 165 runs.
Player of the match: Devdutt Padikkal
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