India's Suthar Shines with Ten-Wicket Haul in Historic 600th Test Victory

India opened their two-match Test series against Sri

India opened their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 165-run triumph in Galle, a win that also marked a milestone occasion as the country's 600th appearance in the longest format of the game. The visitors now hold a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second Test set to be played at the same venue.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the architect of the victory, claiming all ten wickets across the match in a display of sustained control and turn. His figures of 6 for 54 in the first innings and 4 for 71 in the second proved decisive, as Sri Lanka, chasing a stiff target of 340, were bowled out for 174 on the final day.

The match was a see-saw affair, with Sri Lanka’s top order showing resistance on the second and third days. Yet Suthar’s consistent line and length, combined with sharp fielding and a patient batting effort, gradually tilted the contest India’s way. The hosts, who had won the toss and elected to bat, were never able to build a substantial lead after being dismissed for 248 in their first innings.

India’s response was anchored by a gritty 92

India’s response was anchored by a gritty 92 from captain Shubman Gill and a fluent 88 from young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, helping the team post 305. In the second innings, a quickfire 63 from Rishabh Pant and a steady 45 from Ravindra Jadeja pushed the total to 224, setting up a challenging run chase.

Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly, losing early wickets, and despite a defiant 48 from Dinesh Chandimal and a brisk 39 from Kamindu Mendis, the pressure of mounting required runs took its toll. Suthar struck at regular intervals, and the final wicket fell just before tea on the fourth day, sparking celebrations in the Indian dressing room.

The victory was particularly sweet for Suthar, who had been overlooked for the previous tour and made the most of his recall. His ten-wicket haul is the first by an Indian spinner in a Test on Sri Lankan soil in over a decade, and it underscored his growing reputation as a match-winner.

With the series now in the balance, both

With the series now in the balance, both teams will reassess their strategies ahead of the second Test, which begins in Galle on Thursday. India will look to seal the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back and level the contest. For now, the spotlight remains on Suthar, whose heroics have already etched this match into the annals of Indian cricket history.