India secured a convincing 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series at Galle on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 372, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs during the post-lunch session, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
India defeated 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka by 165 runs. India lead the two-match series 1-0.
Manav Suthar took 6 wickets. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206.
Rishabh Pant scored 66 off 69 balls. Pant became the first Indian batter to reach 100 Test sixes.
Dhananjaya de Silva scored 59 for Sri Lanka.
Sonal Dinusha followed his first-innings century with 84.
Spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with six wickets. Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj took one each.
Sri Lanka's resistance was led by captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored 59 from 151 balls. Sonal Dinusha, who had made a century in the first innings, followed it with an 84, but the hosts could not prevent India from completing the victory. India had earlier been dismissed for 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372.
Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with an attacking 66 off 69 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. His innings also saw him become the first Indian batter to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
India's victory gives them a crucial 1-0 lead and puts them in a strong position to win the two-match series. Manav Suthar's six-wicket performance was particularly important in breaking Sri Lanka's resistance on the final day.
Devdutt Padikkal added 44, while KL Rahul contributed 35 as India set up the final target.With the victory, India take an important advantage into the second and final Test of the series.
