India produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The victory, completed on the final day (August 19, 2026), was sealed by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who claimed a match haul of 10 wickets, including a decisive 6/55 in the second innings.
India Seal Dominant 165-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka in Galle to Lead Series 1-0
Match Summary
India 462 & 193
Sri Lanka 284 & 206
India won by 165 runs
Player of the Match: Devdutt Padikkal (167 & 44)
How the Match Unfolded
India won the toss and elected to bat on a typically spin-friendly Galle surface. Devdutt Padikkal anchored the first innings with a magnificent 167, supported by KL Rahul (82) and useful contributions lower down. India posted a formidable 462.
Sri Lanka responded with 284, driven by a maiden Test century from Sonal Dinusha (100) and a fighting 80 from Niroshan Dickwella. Manav Suthar (4/76) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/57) shared the bulk of the wickets.
In their second innings, India scored quickly to set up a declaration-style total. Rishabh Pant smashed a rapid 66 (including two sixes that took him to 100 career Test sixes — the fastest to the landmark) before India were bowled out for 193, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372.
Day 5 Drama
Sri Lanka began the final day at 84/4, still needing 288 runs. Overnight batters Sonal Dinusha and captain Dhananjaya de Silva offered stubborn resistance, adding a substantial partnership. Dinusha continued his excellent match with 84, while de Silva scored a patient 59.
The breakthrough came after lunch. Suthar dismissed Dinusha and then tore through the lower order, claiming four wickets in a short, devastating spell (including three in one over at one stage). Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs.
Rain arrived shortly after the final wicket fell, but India had already secured a comprehensive win and 12 valuable World Test Championship points.
Key Performers
- Devdutt Padikkal: Outstanding return to Test cricket with 211 runs in the match.
- Manav Suthar: Match-winning 10 wickets (4/76 & 6/55) — his second five-wicket haul in just his second Test.
- Rishabh Pant: Enterprising 66 and a historic milestone as the fastest to 100 Test sixes.
- Sonal Dinusha: Exceptional home performance with 100 & 84, nearly becoming the first Sri Lankan to score twin centuries against India in a Test.
What It Means
This was a strong statement from a transitioning Indian side under Shubman Gill. After recent challenges in spin conditions, the team showed patience, skill, and depth — both with the bat and in their spin attack.
India now lead the two-Test series 1-0. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Colombo.
A complete team performance on a challenging surface has given India the perfect start to their Sri Lankan tour.
