Suthar’s ten-wicket masterclass powers India to emphatic Galle triumph in 600th Test

Suthar’s ten-wicket masterclass powers India to emphatic Galle triumph in 600th Test

India marked their 600th Test match with a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after a performance that showcased both batting depth and bowling brilliance.

The visitors posted a formidable 462 in their first innings, built around a fine century from Devdutt Padikkal. The young opener’s patient yet purposeful knock provided the platform, allowing the middle order to push the total well beyond 450. Sri Lanka replied with 284, but never fully recovered from early setbacks against India’s varied attack.

In their second innings India declared or were bowled out for 193, setting the hosts a daunting target of 372. What followed was a display of controlled spin bowling that sealed the result. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar emerged as the clear man of the match, finishing with a remarkable ten-wicket haul across both innings. His ability to extract sharp turn and vary his pace on the Galle surface proved decisive, repeatedly troubling the Sri Lankan batsmen and breaking key partnerships at crucial moments.

Suthar’s performance has already drawn praise from within the Indian camp, with senior figures highlighting his control and variations as a significant boost for the side’s spin options. The young bowler’s match figures underlined why many observers believe India may have unearthed a long-term red-ball prospect.

Sri Lanka showed brief resistance, notably through Sonal Dinusha’s fighting contributions, yet the required run rate and mounting pressure from India’s bowlers proved too much. Once the final wickets tumbled, India celebrated a thoroughly professional win on a ground where they have often enjoyed success.

The result not only gives Shubman Gill’s side an early advantage in the series but also adds another chapter to India’s rich Test history. With the second Test still to come, Sri Lanka will need a rapid response if they are to level the series, while India will look to build on the momentum generated by Padikkal’s century and Suthar’s outstanding bowling display.