India completed a dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The visitors dismissed Sri Lanka for 206 on Day 5 while defending a target of 372 runs. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

The result was also a major boost for India in the World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. India moved up to fifth place in the WTC standings after the win.

Sri Lanka Started Day 5 at 84/4

Sri Lanka began the fifth and final day at 84 for 4, needing another 288 runs to complete a record chase of 372. India needed only six wickets to win the Test.

The home team had some hope at the start of the day as captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha continued their fifth-wicket partnership. The pair played with patience and managed to put pressure on the Indian bowlers.

However, India remained in control because the Galle pitch was becoming increasingly difficult for batting.

Dhananjaya and Dinusha Fight Back

Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha produced Sri Lanka’s strongest resistance of the innings. Their partnership crossed 90 runs and temporarily gave the hosts hope of extending the match.

Dhananjaya completed a fighting half-century and eventually scored 59 runs from 151 balls. Dinusha also reached his fifty and continued to attack when opportunities appeared.

The partnership was eventually broken when Dhananjaya was dismissed. His wicket changed the momentum of the match and brought India closer to victory.

Manav Suthar Becomes India’s Match-Winner

The biggest star of India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test was left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. After taking four wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings, Suthar returned with a brilliant six-wicket haul in the second innings.

His spell proved decisive on the final day. Suthar took four wickets in just 10 balls during a crucial period and quickly ended Sri Lanka’s resistance.

Suthar finished the match with 10 wickets, recording his maiden ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. His performance played a central role in India’s comprehensive victory.

Sonal Dinusha Scores 84

Despite the pressure, Sonal Dinusha produced an impressive innings for Sri Lanka. He scored 84 runs from 128 balls, including eight fours and a six.

Dinusha’s innings was the highest individual score for Sri Lanka in their second innings. However, his effort was not enough to take the hosts close to the target.

Once the lower order came to the crease, India’s bowlers quickly finished the job.

Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 206

Sri Lanka reached 200 during their chase but lost their remaining wickets soon after. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs.

India therefore won the first Test by 165 runs and secured a valuable 1-0 advantage in the two-match series.

The victory also came shortly before rain arrived in Galle, making India’s timely finish even more important.

India’s victory was set up by a huge first-innings total. The visitors scored 462 runs, with Devdutt Padikkal playing a major role with a superb 167.

Padikkal’s innings was his maiden Test century and helped India establish a strong position. KL Rahul also contributed with an important 82, while India’s middle and lower order added valuable runs.

Sri Lanka responded with 284 in their first innings, giving India a significant advantage.

India’s second innings was shorter, with the visitors scoring 193. Rishabh Pant provided another attacking contribution and helped India set Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372.

Pant’s aggressive batting was one of the highlights of the match. He also reached a major milestone by becoming the first Indian batter and the fastest player overall to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.