GALLE, SRI LANKA | August 19, 2026
India Seal a Dominant Test Victory
India completed a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The result came on the fifth and final day after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372.
The victory was India’s 600th Test match and was powered by an outstanding performance from young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who finished with 10 wickets in the match.
Manav Suthar Produces Match-Winning 10-Wicket Haul
Suthar was the standout performer with the ball.
After taking 4 wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings, the spinner returned on the final day to claim 6/55, completing a 10-wicket match haul. His performance played a decisive role in breaking Sri Lanka’s resistance.
Suthar’s spell helped India dismiss Sri Lanka for 206 in 77.4 overs and secure victory shortly after lunch on the final day.
India Set a Target of 372
India had established control of the Test through a strong first innings.
Devdutt Padikkal led the batting effort with a magnificent 167, his maiden Test century, while India eventually posted 462 in their first innings.
Sri Lanka responded with 284, leaving India with a substantial advantage.
India then declared/set up a target of 372 runs after scoring 193 in their second innings, leaving Sri Lanka with a difficult chase on a deteriorating Galle surface.
Sri Lanka Showed Resistance Before Collapsing
Sri Lanka entered the final day needing 288 runs with six wickets remaining.
There was brief resistance from the hosts, but India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the morning session. Suthar eventually delivered the decisive blows as Sri Lanka’s lower order failed to complete the chase.
Sri Lanka were finally dismissed for 206, handing India a comfortable 165-run victory.
Rishabh Pant Creates Test History
India’s second innings also featured an important milestone from Rishabh Pant.
Pant became the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket, reaching the landmark faster than any other batter in Test history. His aggressive approach helped India accelerate their second innings and build a sizeable fourth-innings target.
Padikkal’s Century Sets Up India’s Victory
Padikkal’s performance earlier in the match proved equally important.
The young batter scored 167 runs from 230 balls, providing the foundation for India’s imposing first-innings total. His innings included 15 fours and a six and marked a major milestone in his Test career.
His century, combined with India’s bowling performance, gave the visitors control of the Test from the middle stages onward.
India Take 1-0 Series Lead
The victory gives India a 1-0 advantage in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
It also provides a significant boost to India’s 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign. India remain fifth in the WTC standings despite the victory, while their percentage of points earned has improved following the Galle result.
The second Test will now become an opportunity for India to seal the series.
A Statement Win in Galle
India’s victory combined a major batting contribution from Padikkal, aggressive batting from Pant and a match-defining bowling display from Suthar.
For Suthar in particular, the 10-wicket haul represents a major breakthrough early in his Test career.
With India now leading the series 1-0, attention will turn to the second Test and whether the visitors can complete a series triumph over Sri Lanka.
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Reuters, Hindustan Times, NDTV Sports, The Daily Star.
Original Report: Supreme News Network (SSN)
