Manav Suthar’s six-wicket haul powers India to Galle win

GALLE: Manav Suthar produced a sensational six-wicket haul as India completed a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Chasing a formidable target of 372, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 shortly after lunch on the fifth and final day. Suthar emerged as the star of the decisive bowling performance, finishing with impressive figures of 6-55.

The hosts resumed at 84-4 and briefly appeared capable of extending the contest. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva joined Sonal Dinusha in the middle, and the pair frustrated India for more than two hours with a crucial 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

India, however, refused to lose patience.

The breakthrough came when De Silva attempted to sweep Ravindra Jadeja but top-edged the ball. Suthar completed the catch at short fine leg to end a determined innings of 59 from 151 deliveries. The Sri Lankan captain struck seven boundaries during his stay at the crease.

The dismissal opened the door for India. Prasidh Krishna soon added to Sri Lanka’s problems, having wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella caught behind for 10.

Dinusha remained the main obstacle between India and victory. The 25-year-old reached his half-century in memorable fashion, launching Kuldeep Yadav over the boundary for six.

His innings was particularly impressive given that Dinusha had already registered his maiden Test century in the first innings. He continued to show confidence and discipline against India’s varied spin attack.

But the resistance finally ended when Dinusha was dismissed for a fighting 84.

After lunch, the match quickly slipped away from Sri Lanka. Suthar returned to dismantle the lower order, striking twice in a devastating over.

Prabath Jayasuriya was removed for a golden duck, while Lahiru Kumara followed without scoring after facing four deliveries.

Keshara Nuwantha, unbeaten on eight at lunch, became the final wicket to fall after making 20.

Sri Lanka managed only 31 runs after the interval and lost their final four wickets, allowing India to seal a comprehensive victory.

Suthar’s match-winning figures were supported by two wickets from Krishna, while Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja claimed one each.

The victory gives India valuable momentum heading into the second Test. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face a must-win contest if they are to level the series and prevent India from leaving with a clean sweep.