Suthar's 10-wicket match haul leads India's 165-run demolition of SL in 1st Test

CopiedFollow UsGALLE: The exceptionally gifted Manav Suthar gave India temporary deliverance from their red-ball turmoil, leading the 165-run dismantling of Sri Lanka in the first Test with a match haul of 10 wickets on the fifth and final day here on Wednesday. The visitors.

Once Suthar got his 10th scalp of Test, Shubman Gill must have heaved a sigh of relief as there was a heavy downpour within five minutes after the end of the game. This victory at a traditionally spin-ruled venue like Galle will give India.

What Happened

Starting the final day from 84 for four needing a further 288 to cross an improbable line, Sri Lanka delayed the inevitable for a session and a bit but eventually folded for 206, succumbing to the guiles of the young Indian left-arm.

• Operating from around the wicket also snuffed out the leg before option for him.

• The second Test will start at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, from August 23.It was quite astounding to watch him go through the motions rather than trying to buy some assistance from the track.

• However, once Suthar came back to attack, the Lankan defence withered in a little over 30 minutes into the middle session, just a few minutes before skies opened up.

Key Details

This was after a four wicket haul in the first innings. The home side started the post-lunch session at 175 for six, and managed to reach 199 without further loss.

• But Dinusha and Nuwantha managed to see off the next 30 minutes with pluck and luck, as Lankans hoped to fight till weather possibly turned hostile.

• Dickwella tried to manufacture a shot over covers while giving himself some room off Prasidh, but all he managed was a healthy edge to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.

• There were a couple of desperate slog sweeps against Kuldeep and Jadeja before eventually succumbing to pacer Prasidh Krishna.

Why It Matters

But Suthar's reintroduction changed the course of the game as the left-arm spinner jettisoned Sonal Dinusha (84), Prabath Jayasuriya and Lahiru Kumara in the space of six balls in the 76th over, reducing SL to 199 for nine. Suthar, who generated ample.

• Niroshan Dickwella, who played a sensible innings in Sri Lanka's first dig, appeared to be in a hurry to knock off the remaining runs.

• The veteran left-arm spinner managed to eke out a bit more bounce and De Silva's top-edged sweep ended in the hands of Suthar at short fine leg.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by DT Next as more details emerge