India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the second innings at Galle, with spinner Manav Suthar taking six wickets in the final innings to secure a dominant performance on a challenging pitch.
India secured a convincing 165-run victory against Sri Lanka in their Test match at Galle, capitalizing on disciplined bowling and patient batting to overcome a resilient home side. The win marks an important recovery for the Indian team, which has struggled in recent spin-friendly conditions, losing two of its last three series in similar environments.
The turning point came on the final day when India required six wickets for victory. Opener Sonal Dinusha mounted a strong resistance, approaching a second century in the match and putting on a substantial partnership with Keshara Nuwantha. However, after Dinusha was dismissed in the 76th over attempting to turn a delivery that pitched outside leg stump, the Sri Lankan innings unraveled rapidly. Manav Suthar proved instrumental during this collapse, claiming four additional wickets within ten deliveries to finish with figures of six for 55 in the innings.
Suthar's performance demonstrated notable variation and skill, particularly the ability to adjust his delivery angle and pace. While his signature overspin and turn were effective throughout the match, he also proved capable of bowling quicker deliveries with a straighter seam, which accounted for several of the later dismissals. This was his second five-wicket haul in two consecutive Tests, signaling the emergence of a promising talent in India's bowling attack.
Beyond Suthar's individual brilliance, India's bowling unit functioned cohesively. Ravindra Jadeja contributed three wickets, while seam bowlers combined effectively throughout the match. India's batting also performed solidly, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 in the first innings and Rishabh Pant adding 66 in the second. The victory suggests India's transitional squad is adapting to demanding overseas conditions despite earlier setbacks.
