Daijiworld Media Network - Galle

Galle, Aug 19: India defeated hosts Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test of the two-match series in Galle on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a target of 372 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs during the post-lunch session, handing India a convincing victory.

For India, Manav Suthar was the star with the ball, claiming six wickets. Prasidh Krishna took two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj picked up one wicket each.

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva fought hard with a 151-ball 59, while Sonal Dinusha continued his impressive performance after scoring a century in the first innings, contributing 84 in the second.

Earlier, India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings to set Sri Lanka a target of 372. Rishabh Pant top-scored with a quickfire 66 off 69 balls, smashing eight fours and two sixes.

Pant's innings also saw him become the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.

Devdutt Padikkal scored 44, while KL Rahul contributed 35 as India set up a challenging target for the hosts.

India's disciplined bowling attack then wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings, securing a 165-run victory and giving the visitors the early advantage in the two-Test series.