Watch: Manav Suthar Takes Three Wickets in One Over To Help India Win 1st Test vs Sri Lanka
Manav Suthar's devastating spell, including four wickets in just 10 deliveries on the final day, propelled India to a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 1st Test at Galle. Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match for his stellar century and vital contributions, as India secured their 600th Test win and a 1-0 series lead.
India celebrated a resounding 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the 2026 series at the Galle International Stadium, marking a memorable 600th Test match for the nation. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar emerged as the hero of the final day, dismantling Sri Lanka's lower order with a devastating spell that secured a crucial lead in the two-match series. India Clinch Dominant 165-Run Win vs Sri Lanka in Galle Test
VIDEO - Manav Suthar Claims Three Wickets in One Over
Manav Suthar cleaned up the tail in a flash! ā”
Three wickets in one over to put the finishing touches on a sensational bowling effort.
Watch #SLvIND, 1st Test | Day 5, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIVā¦ pic.twitter.com/LwSc4NGRW2
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Manav Suthar's Killer Blow
Manav Suthar, aged 24 years and 12 days at the start of the match, proved to be India's game-changer on the final day. He wreaked havoc, claiming four wickets within a span of just 10 deliveries to deliver the killer blow to Sri Lanka's fading hopes. This remarkable spell, which included a rapid succession of dismissals, culminated in Suthar finishing with a ten-wicket haul for the match, an extraordinary feat for a young spinner. His performance not only sealed India's victory but also placed him among an elite group of Indian bowlers, being one of only five to achieve multiple five-wicket hauls in their first two Tests. He is the seventh Indian spinner with a 10-wicket match haul in an away Test and, at 24 years and 12 days, the youngest to do so before turning 28.
"He's been bowling magnificently, even in the first match that he played in India, and in this match," said Indian captain Shubman Gill, praising Suthar's impact. "He looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a very long time."
Devdutt Padikkal's Prowess & India's Dominance
The foundation for India's imposing victory was laid by Devdutt Padikkal, the 26-year-old left-handed batter, who was deservingly named Player of the Match. Padikkal's classy 167 in the first innings, followed by a valuable 44 in the second, ensured India posted competitive totals of 462 and 193 respectively. His ability to build a big score and then dominate the spinners in the second innings was critical.
"He was magnificent to watch. It's important to get hundreds, but even after getting a hundred, how he carried on and got a big one for us, that's the difference between being in a competitive match and being in a comfortable position," remarked Gill about Padikkal's performance. Padikkal himself reflected on the challenging venues of his early Test career, stating, "I couldn't have asked for anything better. The game was amazing. I think we played some really good cricket and really happy with the win."
Sri Lanka's Resilience & Key Performances
Despite the comprehensive defeat, Sri Lanka showed glimpses of resilience, particularly through 25-year-old Sonal Dinusha. Dinusha was the hosts' best batter in both innings, notably scoring 84 and playing with admirable grit to delay India's victory charge. His aggressive approach, including scoring 75 runs via sweep shots against spin, highlighted a fighting spirit within the Lankan side.
Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledged his team's efforts: "I thought from the second day onwards, we were in the game mostly, and I thought boys fought hard even in the fourth inning here. It's not easy, but yeah, I thought it's a good game."
The Road Ahead
This victory gives India a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match series and secures valuable World Test Championship points. The action now shifts to Colombo for the second and final Test, which commences on Sunday, August 23, promising another enthralling contest between the two cricketing nations.Ā History Made! Rishabh Pant Becomes First Indian to Complete 100 Test Sixes During IND vs SL 1st Test 2026
India's commanding performance in the first Test sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series in Colombo, with both teams looking to make their mark in the World Test Championship.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 04:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
