On Wednesday, August 19, the last day of the match, India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium. In the first Test of the two-match series on Tuesday in Galle, India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs thanks to six wickets (10 total) taken by Manav Suthar in the second innings. In the post-lunch session, India easily defeated Sri Lanka after they were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs while chasing an improbable score of 372.
Sri Lanka needed an additional 288 runs to win the game after starting the day at 84/4. Before Dhananjaya de Silva was removed by Ravindra Jadeja, Sonal Dinusha and the latter contributed 58 runs to the overnight total. After scoring a hard-hitting half-century in the previous match, Niroshan Dickwella was unable to have much of an impact as Prasidh Krishna defeated him once more.
Dinusha scored 84 in the second innings to support his century in the first. Manav Suthar easily defeated the tailenders with figures of 6/55, while Keshara Nuwantha contributed a modest 20. In the second session, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs.
Manav Suthar was outstanding with the ball, finishing with fantastic figures of 6/55 and taking his first five wickets. With figures of 2/16, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja offered great support. After making his Test debut against Afghanistan in June, the 24-year-old left-arm spinner was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s first innings, helping India demolish the hosts for 284 in response to the visitors’ total of 462 thanks to his 4/76.
In the opening innings, Sonal Dinusha achieved his first Test century. With 84 runs off just 128 balls, including eight fours and one six, he carried that confidence into the second innings. Even on a deteriorating surface, Dinusha and de Silva’s connection gave Sri Lanka hope of an unlikely victory.
In international cricket, the left-arm spinner has been steadily improving. Suthar scored a four-for in the first innings against Sri Lanka following his amazing debut against Afghanistan. He was even more dangerous in the second innings, though, as he finished with figures of 6/55 in 23.4 overs.
