India secured a comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test match of the series at the Galle International Stadium. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar delivered a career-best performance by claiming a ten-wicket haul in the match. Despite Suthar's extraordinary bowling figures, the Player of the Match award was presented to top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal, whose crucial runs across both innings set up India's winning position.
Devdutt Padikkal Anchors India's Batting Order with 167
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India posted a formidable first-innings total of 462. Playing in only his third Test match, Devdutt Padikkal took full advantage of the opportunity at the number three position, filling in for the injured Sai Sudharsan. Padikkal scored a masterpiece 167 runs in the first innings, laying a solid foundation for the team. In the second innings, when other Indian batters struggled and lost their wickets in quick succession, Padikkal produced another vital knock of 44 runs to extend India's lead.
Manav Suthar Bags Second Career Five-Wicket Haul
Although Padikkal walked away with the individual award, Manav Suthar's spell remained the highlight of the match. Playing just his second Test match, the young left-arm spinner took four wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings and followed it up with figures of 6 for 55 in the second innings. This marked Suthar's second five-wicket haul in an innings, having previously achieved the feat on his debut against Afghanistan. Across his first two Test matches, Suthar has already picked up 17 wickets.
Sensational 76th Over Triggers Rapid Sri Lankan Collapse
Sri Lanka had reached 199 runs after lunch in their second innings, looking to hold off the Indian attack. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once Suthar was brought into the attack. In the 76th over of the innings, Suthar took three wickets within a span of six deliveries, dismissing Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 199 for 9. He then cleaned up Keshara Nuwantha to wrap up the match. Among the other Indian bowlers, Prasidh Krishna picked up 2 for 16, while Ravindra Jadeja took 1 for 71 and Mohammed Siraj claimed 1 for 15.
Torrential Rain Arrives Five Minutes After Victory
The timing of the final wicket proved vital for Team India. Within five minutes of the final Sri Lankan wicket falling, heavy rain began pouring over the Galle stadium. A delay of just a few minutes could have forced a stoppage in play, providing great relief to Indian captain Shubman Gill as his side wrapped up the match just in time to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
