Indian batsman KL Rahul commended the quality of the Galle pitch after India’s impressive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, asserting that the match provided an engaging contest for both batters and bowlers throughout the five days.
The match concluded with India leading the two-match series, showcasing stellar performances from various players. Manav Suthar, an all-rounder playing only his second Test, delivered a spectacular match-winning performance, claiming a remarkable 10-wicket haul. Earlier, Devdutt Padikkal anchored India’s first innings with a brilliant score of 167, which earned him the Player of the Match title.
Post-match, Rahul expressed his admiration for the Galle surface, which he believed balanced the play effectively. He noted that while spinners had their say on the surface, batters who applied themselves effectively could also prevail, citing Sonal Dinusha‘s excellent approach as a case in point. Dinusha, despite Sri Lanka’s loss, managed to score 100 in the first innings and contributed 84 in the second.
“I think it was a great Test match. The wicket played really well throughout the five days. There was something in it for spinners, but the batters who applied themselves could score runs. We saw Sonal from the Sri Lankan team, who batted beautifully with a clear game plan against the spinners,” Rahul remarked.
As the match concluded, rain descended shortly afterward in Galle, prompting relief among the Indian players. Rahul emphasized the need for urgency in securing the win as rain clouds loomed. He explained how focusing on taking quick wickets facilitated their victory, especially by breaking the key partnership between Keshara Nuwantha and Dinusha.
“Just relieved, honestly! We kept an eye on the clouds and knew rain was coming, so we tried to get wickets as quickly as we could. They had a decent partnership, but once we broke it, we felt in control again,” Rahul added.
The match ended with India bowling Sri Lanka out for 206 while defending a target of 372 runs. Manav Suthar was undoubtedly the star performer, achieving figures of 6/55 in the second innings and marking his maiden 10-wicket haul in just his second Test match.
Sri Lanka entered Day 5 at 84/4, with Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva exhibiting strong resilience. However, Jadeja dismissed Dhananjaya for 59, allowing India to reclaim momentum. Despite Dinusha’s valiant effort, scoring 84 runs, Suthar’s breakthroughs in the 76th over and his dismissal of Nuwantha sealed the victory for India.
In their first innings, India posted a formidable total of 464, with stellar contributions from Padikkal and Rahul, who scored 82. In response, Sri Lanka managed 284, with Dinusha’s century, before India set a target of 372 by scoring 193 in their second innings.