Manav Suthar produced a match-winning spell as India secured a memorable 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium. The win was particularly significant as it marked India’s 600th Test match.
India dominated the contest with strong performances across both departments. After posting a massive 462 in the first innings, the visitors added 193 in the second innings, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target. While the victory was built on a collective team effort, two players stood out for their match-defining contributions: batter Devdutt Padikkal and spinner Manav Suthar.
Padikkal was named Player of the Match after scoring a brilliant 167 in the first innings. Interestingly, his score was just two runs more than India’s eventual winning margin. His knock played a crucial role in helping India establish a commanding position in the Test.
However, Suthar emerged as one of the biggest difference-makers with the ball. The young left-arm spinner delivered an outstanding performance, particularly on the decisive fifth day, when India needed to break Sri Lanka’s resistance and complete the victory.
Playing only his second Test for India, Suthar showcased remarkable composure and control under pressure. His ability to exploit the conditions and consistently trouble the Sri Lankan batters made a major difference during the final stages of the match.
Suthar’s impressive match figures and crucial wickets ensured that India finished the Test on a high. His performance will be remembered as one of the standout bowling displays in India’s historic 600th Test.
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Major Milestones by Manav Suthar in SL vs IND 1st Test
1. Manav Suthar First 10-wicket haul in only his second Test
Suthar claimed four wickets in the first innings before delivering a match-winning spell in the second innings. His figures of 6/55 helped India complete a convincing victory. With 10 wickets in the match, Suthar became the fourth Indian bowler to register a maiden 10-wicket haul within his first two Test appearances.
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2. Manav Suthar Best Match Bowling Figures by an Indian in Sri Lanka
Suthar finished the Test with outstanding match figures of 10/131. This became the best match bowling performance by an Indian bowler in Sri Lanka. He surpassed the previous marks held by spin legends Harbhajan Singh, who recorded 10/153, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who managed 10/160.
3. Manav Suthar Youngest Indian spinner to take 10 wickets in an away Test
Suthar also created history by becoming the youngest Indian spinner to claim 10 wickets in an away Test. He achieved the feat at just 24 years and 16 days, underlining his remarkable start to international cricket.
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4. Manav Suthar Third Indian bowler to take a 10-wicket haul in Sri Lanka
By completing his 10-wicket match haul, Suthar joined an elite group of Indian bowlers who have achieved the feat in Sri Lanka. Before him, only Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin had registered 10-wicket hauls for India on Sri Lankan soil. Suthar therefore became the third Indian bowler to reach the milestone.
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5. Manav Suthar Second Indian bowler with consecutive six-wicket hauls since Test debut
Suthar’s impressive start to his Test career continued in Sri Lanka. After making his debut against Afghanistan earlier this year, he recorded figures of 6/33 in the first innings. He then followed it up with another six-wicket haul in his second Test, finishing with 6/55 in the second innings. As a result, Suthar became only the second Indian bowler after Narendra Hirwani to take six wickets in each of his first two Test appearances.