India opened their World Test Championship campaign with a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, August 19. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer, claiming a 10-wicket match haul as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372. 

The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series and marks a strong start to the side's latest WTC assignment.

Suthar Delivers Match-Winning Spell

Playing only his second Test, Suthar produced a decisive performance with the ball. He took 6/55 in Sri Lanka's second innings, completing a 10-wicket match haul and repeatedly troubling the home batters on the Galle surface. 

His final-innings spell effectively ended Sri Lanka's hopes of completing what would have been a record chase. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs. 

India Set 372-Run Target

India had established control of the Test with a strong first-innings total of 462, led by Devdutt Padikkal's outstanding 167. KL Rahul also contributed 82, while Sri Lanka's bowlers managed to fight back during the latter stages of the innings. 

Sri Lanka responded with 284, leaving India with a substantial first-innings advantage.

India then declared their second innings at 193, with Rishabh Pant contributing a brisk 66, setting the hosts a daunting 372-run target. 

Sri Lanka Lose Momentum

Sri Lanka's chase began with the required run rate looking demanding, and India's bowlers gradually tightened the pressure. After reaching 84/4 at the end of the fourth day's play, the hosts needed another 288 runs with six wickets remaining. 

The final day belonged largely to India's bowling attack. Suthar's ability to extract control and create pressure proved crucial as Sri Lanka's lower order failed to sustain the chase.

Padikkal Named Player of Match

While Suthar's bowling dominated the final day, Devdutt Padikkal played a major role in setting up India's victory. His 167 in the first innings was his maiden Test century and provided India with the platform for a substantial total. He was subsequently named Player of the Match. 

Padikkal's contribution was particularly important after he came into the No. 3 position during the match.

Gill Starts WTC Campaign Strongly

The result also provides a boost to Shubman Gill's Test captaincy as India began this phase of their WTC campaign with a win away from home.

Gill later praised Suthar's performance, describing the young spinner as a promising player who could serve Indian cricket for a long time. 

The victory puts India ahead in the series and gives the team valuable momentum before the second Test.

India Take 1-0 Lead

With Sri Lanka bowled out for 206, India completed a 165-run victory with a session to spare. The result was built on a combination of Padikkal's first-innings century, contributions from India's batting unit and Suthar's match-winning 10 wickets. 

The second Test will now offer Sri Lanka an opportunity to level the series, while India will look to seal a series victory after an impressive opening performance in Galle.