In a remarkable display of spin bowling, Manav Suthar’s exceptional performance led to the dismissal of five Sri Lankan batsmen during their first innings in the Galle Test on Monday.
By the end of the first session, Sri Lanka found themselves at 99 for 5, with Sonal Dinusha (14*) and Niroshan Dickwella (8*) remaining at the crease. They trail India by 363 runs.
India’s Innings Wraps Up at 462
Starting the final day at 460 for 9, Team India had Prasidh Krishna (1*) and Mohammed Siraj (12*) at the crease. Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando made an early breakthrough, dismissing Prasidh Krishna for just two runs, leading to India being bowled out for 462.
Sri Lanka’s Response and Quick Collapse
India’s bowling attack began strongly, with Nishan Fernando edging a delivery to Devdutt Padikkal at slip, departing for a two-ball duck. Lahiru Udara showed aggression against the pace attack, hitting two boundaries in Siraj’s sixth over, while Dinesh Chandimal provided stability at the other end.
Suthar Strikes Early
Manav Suthar made an immediate impact, taking Chandimal’s wicket on his first delivery, which turned sharply after drifting in, resulting in a catch for wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Sri Lanka was then at 27 for 2. Despite this, Lahiru continued to score freely, while Kamindu Mendis also attacked Prasidh Krishna, helping Sri Lanka reach 50 runs in 12 overs.
Spinners Maintain Control
Suthar claimed another wicket as Lahiru’s top-edge was caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal, leaving Sri Lanka at 53 for 3. The spin dominance continued as Kamindu fell to Kuldeep Yadav, with Shubman Gill taking a spectacular catch. Kamindu managed only 14 runs off 25 balls, bringing the score to 59 for 4.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha attempted to stabilize the innings, but Ravindra Jadeja soon joined the wicket-takers, dismissing Dhananjaya for 21 runs, assisted by KL Rahul. Sri Lanka ended the first session with half their team dismissed, with Dinusha and Dickwella still at the crease.
Match Summary
Brief Scores: India: 462 (Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82, Prabath Jayasuriya 4/109) vs Sri Lanka: 99/5 (Lahiru Udara 27, Dhananjaya de Silva 21, Manav Suthar 2/17).