Spinners shine on Sri Lankan soil as India crush hosts by 165 runs

GALLE: India have sealed a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing a target of 372 on the fifth day.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar played a key role in India's victory, finishing with figures of 6/55 in the second innings to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He had taken four wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings, completing an impressive 10-wicket match haul in the opening Test.

India had scored 462 in their first innings before bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 to take a 178-run lead. India were then dismissed for 193 in their second innings, setting the hosts a challenging target of 372.

Sri Lanka ended the fourth day at 84/4, but Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha kept their hopes alive with a determined fightback on the final day. Both batters scored half-centuries, but India's spinners struck at crucial moments to derail the hosts' chase.

Dinusha top-scored with 84 before his dismissal dealt a major blow to Sri Lanka's hopes. Suthar then dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka slipped to 199/8. India eventually wrapped up the innings for 206 to complete a comprehensive victory in Galle.

Match result:

India – 462 & 193
Sri Lanka – 284 & 206
India won by 165 runs