Manav Suthar impressed on the last day at Galle, coming up with a sensational shot to push India 165 runs ahead and secure a 1-0 lead in the series over Sri Lanka. The left arm spinner has taken 10 wickets in the match after taking a big role in reducing Sri Lanka in the first innings.
In the second innings, Suthar followed a four-wicket performance in Sri Lanka’s first innings with a six-wicket performance to seize 10 wickets in a match. He had come up with four wickets in condensing the 10 balls to finish the game in style as India extracted Sri Lanka’s bowlers to 206.
India wrapped up the Test shortly after the start of the second session on Day 5. It represented India’s first series win in the red-ball mode in the ongoing World Test Championship in pursuit of the batters’ match against the West Indies at home in October last year.
The victory also secured 12 World Test Championship points for India in the process, further adding to the significance of the hard fought victory in Galle. Manav Suthar’s match changing spell helped India retain control in the decision making moments of the Test.
Apart from the timing of India’s victory, the whole thing was quite remarkable. The rain was still falling in Galle, within minutes of Sri Lanka being bowled out, and may have been a factor in its urgency to conclude a match that was so crucial for the Indians.
India have taken the initial fill-blow in the series with the win and will take the momentum to the next Test. Meanwhile, Suthar’s 10-wicket haul will remain one of his memorable performances in the pivotal World Test Championship meet.