GALLE, August 19, 2026 : Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar produced a sensational 10-wicket match haul as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test at Galle on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Chasing a daunting target of 372 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs in their second innings, with Suthar claiming a career-best 6/55 to complete his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.
The 24-year-old spinner had earlier taken 4/76 in Sri Lanka’s first innings, giving him match figures of 10/131 in only his second Test. His performance proved decisive as India secured a commanding victory.
Suthar’s breakthrough performance came after he had made his Test debut against Afghanistan in June. His ability to maintain a disciplined line and length throughout the match troubled the Sri Lankan batters on a turning Galle surface.
India Set Sri Lanka a Challenging Target
India had posted 462 in their first innings, with Devdutt Padikkal playing a major role with a commanding century. Sri Lanka responded with 284, leaving India with a substantial first-innings advantage.
India then scored 193 in their second innings to set the hosts a target of 372.
Sri Lanka’s chase initially showed resistance, with Sonal Dinusha scoring 84 and captain Dhananjaya de Silva making 59, but India’s bowlers steadily tightened the pressure.
Suthar then delivered the decisive blows in the final session, including a crucial burst that dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower order and brought India within sight of victory.
India’s 600th Test Ends in Victory
The victory came in India’s 600th Test match, adding further significance to an already memorable occasion. India now lead the two-Test series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Colombo on August 23.
India captain Shubman Gill praised Suthar after the match, describing his performance as outstanding and highlighting his potential as a long-term prospect for Indian cricket.
Brief Scores
India: 462 & 193
Sri Lanka: 284 & 206 all out in 77.4 overs
India won by 165 runs.
Top performers:
- Manav Suthar: 4/76 & 6/55 — 10 wickets
- Sonal Dinusha: 84
- Dhananjaya de Silva: 59
- Prasidh Krishna: 2/16 in Sri Lanka’s second innings
India’s emphatic victory not only gives them an early series advantage but also marks the emergence of Manav Suthar as a major new spin prospect on the international stage.
