Manav Suthar led India’s spin attack as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 284 in their first innings, leaving the hosts 178 runs behind India’s imposing total of 462 in the opening Test at Galle.
India strengthened their grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka after bowling the hosts out for 284 on Day Three at the Galle International Stadium.
Sri Lanka had entered their first innings facing India’s formidable total of 462, built around Devdutt Padikkal’s superb 167, but struggled against India’s spin-heavy attack and finished with a first-innings deficit of 178 runs.
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout bowler for India, finishing with four wickets as the visitors repeatedly broke Sri Lankan partnerships on a surface offering significant assistance to the spinners.
Sri Lanka Struggle After Early Collapse
Sri Lanka found themselves under immediate pressure during the morning session, slipping to 99 for five by lunch as India took advantage of the conditions in Galle.
Suthar was at the centre of the damage, taking two early wickets, while India maintained tight control through their combination of spin and disciplined bowling.
The home side recovered to some extent during the afternoon, but India continued to find breakthroughs before eventually dismissing Sri Lanka for 284 in 79.4 overs.
The performance leaves India in a commanding position heading into the latter stages of the Test.
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Padikkal’s 167 Sets Up India’s Advantage
India’s position was established by Devdutt Padikkal, who produced the defining innings of the match so far.
Padikkal converted his maiden Test century into a career-best 167, striking 15 fours and a six during a composed innings that formed the backbone of India’s first-innings total.
The left-hander had finished Day One unbeaten on 131 before continuing his innings on the rain-affected second day.
He received valuable support from KL Rahul, who scored 82, while wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel contributed 51.
Rishabh Pant also made a brisk 39 before becoming debutant Keshara Nuwantha’s first Test wicket.
India were eventually bowled out for 462, having resumed Day Three on 460 for nine.
Sri Lanka Spinners Fight Back
Despite India’s large total, Sri Lanka had enjoyed periods of success with the ball.
Experienced left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed four wickets, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha picked up three as Sri Lanka fought their way back into the contest following India’s strong start.
India had been 288 for two at the end of the opening day before Sri Lanka’s spinners triggered a succession of wickets during a rain-shortened Day Two.
Jayasuriya eventually dismissed Padikkal for 167 when the Indian batter advanced down the pitch and was stumped, ending what had been the standout batting performance of the Test.
India’s Spinners Dominate in Galle
Sri Lanka’s reply, however, demonstrated just how difficult batting had become as the match progressed.
India’s spinners consistently extracted turn from the Galle surface, with Suthar proving particularly effective.
The left-arm spinner finished Sri Lanka’s innings with four wickets, including the dismissal of Lahiru Kumara for the final wicket, as India secured a substantial 178-run first-innings advantage.
The result of the first innings puts captain Shubman Gill’s India in a strong position to push for victory over the remaining two days, although Galle’s conditions and the possibility of further weather interruptions could still influence the outcome.
The two-match Test series is also significant for both teams’ ambitions in the ICC World Test Championship, with India entering the tour needing victories to strengthen their chances of reaching the WTC final.
Match Situation – Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test
India first innings: 462 all out
Devdutt Padikkal: 167
KL Rahul: 82
Dhruv Jurel: 51
Sri Lanka first innings: 284 all out
India lead by 178 runs after the first innings
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