India take 1-0 Test series lead after Sri Lanka fall short in Galle

India claimed their first Test victory in Galle on the fifth morning, defeating Sri Lanka after the hosts failed to complete a target of 372. The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and leaves Sri Lanka needing victory in the second Test to avoid a series defeat.

Sri Lanka resumed on 88-4, still requiring 288 runs for an unlikely win. Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha provided the main resistance after play began, taking the score to 142 before India made the breakthrough.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed de Silva, who had also been Sri Lanka’s captain, for 59. His departure ended the stand’s contribution and exposed the lower order to India’s attack with the home side still a long way from the target.

The remaining wickets fell in quick succession. Prasidh Krishna removed Nirosha Dickwella, while Dinusha reached 84 before Suthar bowled Sri Lanka’s number six. Suthar then took the final two wickets to bring the innings to an end and confirm India’s win.

Suthar finished with six wickets in the innings and 10 across the match, completing a decisive contribution as India moved in front in the two-Test series. Sri Lanka had resumed the final day with six wickets still standing, but could not sustain the chase once the partnership between de Silva and Dinusha was broken.

The second and final Test begins in Colombo on Sunday. India need only avoid defeat to take the series, while Sri Lanka must win that match to draw the contest.