Suthar’s Spin Sinks Sri Lanka as India Seal Big Win in Galle Test

India secured a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test, with left-arm spinner Manav Suthar producing a sensational second-innings spell to complete a 10-wicket match haul.

Chasing a challenging target, Sri Lanka resumed Wednesday at 175 for 6 and appeared to be mounting a strong fight. However, Suthar’s brilliant spell after lunch quickly ended the hosts’ resistance as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206.

Sri Lanka’s hopes rested largely on Sonall Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva, who had begun the day with a 95-run partnership.

De Silva made 59 before Ravindra Jadeja broke the partnership, catching him at short fine leg while attempting a sweep.

Dinusha continued to anchor the innings, but the wickets began to fall around him. He eventually became Suthar’s first major breakthrough after lunch, edging a turning delivery to leg gully for 84.

Suthar then dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya with the very next delivery, briefly raising the possibility of a hat-trick. Lahiru Kumara survived the hat-trick ball, but Suthar struck again soon afterwards to complete his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

He then bowled Nuantha to claim his 10th wicket of the match and complete Sri Lanka’s collapse.

Suthar finished with outstanding figures of 6 for 55 in the second innings, while Prasidh Krishna took 2 for 16.

Sri Lanka’s Resistance Ends at 206

Sri Lanka had looked considerably more comfortable during the first part of Wednesday’s play. Dinusha and de Silva negotiated India’s spinners well, using the depth of the crease and sweep shots effectively.

Their partnership added 54 runs before the first drinks break and briefly gave the hosts hope of taking the match deep into the final session.

But once Suthar found his rhythm after lunch, the game changed dramatically.

India posted 462 in the first innings and followed it with 193 in the second.

Sri Lanka responded with 284 in their first innings before being dismissed for 206 in the second.

Brief Score

India: 462 & 193 Sri Lanka: 284 & 206 Top performers: Sonall Dinusha 84, Dhananjaya de Silva 59; Manav Suthar 6/55, Prasidh Krishna 2/16

Result: India won by 165 runs.

Suthar was the standout performer with 10 wickets in the match, playing the decisive role in India's victory.

The victory gives India 12 points in the World Test Championship and strengthens their position in the ongoing cycle.

Interestingly, heavy rain began in Galle only minutes after India secured victory. Had the rain arrived earlier, the match could potentially have been extended, but by then Suthar had already completed Sri Lanka’s collapse and sealed a memorable win for India.