Our Bureau
Galle
India strengthened their hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final with a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle on Wednesday. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and lifted their points percentage to 53.33, although they remain fifth in the WTC standings.
Manav Suthar was the chief architect of India’s victory, claiming a maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. His match-winning spell helped India bowl Sri Lanka out and complete a convincing victory in challenging conditions. Suthar’s performance also underlined India’s growing spin-bowling depth as the visitors adapted effectively to Galle’s traditionally spin-friendly conditions.
India had earlier built a strong platform with the bat, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring his maiden Test century and making 167. KL Rahul also contributed 82, while Rishabh Pant provided an aggressive middle-order innings. Their performances helped India establish a substantial first-innings total and put pressure on the hosts.
The result is particularly important for India after a difficult phase in the current WTC cycle. Before the Sri Lanka series, India had been fifth with a points percentage of 48.15 after defeats against South Africa and other inconsistent results. Captain Shubman Gill had stressed the need for a strong run of victories to revive the team’s hopes of reaching next year’s final.
India’s road ahead, however, remains demanding. Following the Sri Lanka series, they have two Tests against New Zealand and five against Australia. The results in those matches will play a decisive role in determining whether India can secure a place in the WTC final at The Oval.