India Outclass Sri Lanka In Galle | Crush Hosts By 165 Runs

COLOMBO (News 1st); India secured a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the series at the Galle International Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead after a dominant all-round performance across four days.

After being put under pressure by India's first-innings total of 462, built around a superb 167 by Devdutt Padikkal, Sri Lanka replied with 284 runs. Sonal Dinusha emerged as the standout performer for the hosts with a magnificent century, scoring 100, while Prabath Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler in the Indian first innings with figures of 4 for 109.

India then added a quick 193 in their second innings, with Rishabh Pant contributing an aggressive 66, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372 for victory.

Chasing the target, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 despite another determined effort from Sonal Dinusha, who top-scored with 84. However, the home side struggled to find enough support around him as India's bowlers steadily dismantled the batting line-up.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar played a decisive role in the victory, claiming 6 wickets for 55 runs in Sri Lanka's second innings after also taking 4 wickets for 76 in the first innings, finishing with a ten-wicket match haul.

While Sonal Dinusha's century in the first innings and resilient 84 in the second were among the positives for Sri Lanka, India's superior batting depth and match-winning bowling display proved the difference as the visitors wrapped up a convincing victory in Galle.

The result gives India an early advantage in the series and leaves Sri Lanka looking to regroup ahead of the second Test.