Last Updated on 38 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
India claimed a 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test, following a disciplined bowling display on the final day in Galle.
Sri Lanka’s middle order fought hard for long periods in the chase of an unlikely target. Sonal Dinusha missed out on a century by 16 runs and captain Dhananjaya de Silva produced a fighting half century.
The visitors were patient throughout the day and did not take any unnecessary risks. Their bowlers kept a tight line and waited for their chances on a surface that wasn’t offering much early on. India finally found a breakthrough, picking up well set Dhananjaya and triggering a collapse that ended Sri Lanka’s hopes.
Manav Suthar shines with match-winning spell for India
India started the day aiming for six wickets and had a balanced attack. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja kept the pressure on the overnight batters, and Dhananjaya and Dinusha negotiated the early spells well. Eventually Jadeja broke the partnership, deceiving the Sri Lankan captain with a slower one that took a top edge.
Niroshan Dickwella tried to counter attack but never looked entirely comfortable at the crease. His aggressive approach ended with him mis-timing a shot and getting caught after a chat with Yashasvi Jaiswal, giving India another wicket at a crucial juncture.
The match turned in the decisive moment when Manav Suthar produced a brilliant spell after removing Dinusha. The left-arm spinner bowled with good control and variation, taking four wickets in ten deliveries to complete his 10-fer in the match thanks to his four wickets in the first innings. Sri Lanka’s lower order struggled against his change of pace and ability to generate unplayable turn.
Suthar claimed his second five-wicket haul in only his second Test match. Sri Lanka’s resistance evaporated with the dismissal of Keshara Nuwantha and India sealed comfortable victory and a positive start to the series.
It is an especially heartening result for a young Indian side that has had a tough time in spin-friendly conditions in recent series.
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