IND vs SL 1st Test Result: India Beat Sri Lanka by 165 Runs in Galle

IND vs SL 1st Test Result: India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. With this victory, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

India produced a strong all-round performance to secure a convincing victory. Devdutt Padikkal was the star with the bat, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar delivered a match-winning performance with the ball.

Suthar finished the match with 10 wickets, including an impressive six-wicket haul in Sri Lanka's second innings. Padikkal, meanwhile, scored 167 runs in India's first innings and followed it up with 44 in the second innings.

IND vs SL 1st Test Scorecard

India dominated the first innings with a massive total of 462 runs. Sri Lanka responded with 284, giving India a first-innings lead of 178 runs.

India then scored 193 runs in their second innings and set Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs to win the Test.

Sri Lanka struggled to maintain the required scoring rate during the chase. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 206 runs, allowing India to complete a 165-run victory.

Result: India won by 165 runs

Series: India lead 1-0

Venue: Galle International Stadium

Player of the Match: Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal Stars With 167

Devdutt Padikkal was one of the biggest highlights of the first Test.

Batting at No. 3, Padikkal played a brilliant innings of 167 runs in India's first innings. His knock provided India with the foundation needed to post a huge total of 462 runs.

Padikkal continued his excellent contribution in the second innings, scoring another 44 runs. His performances across both innings made him one of the most influential players in the match.

His outstanding batting performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Manav Suthar Takes 10 Wickets

If Padikkal gave India the advantage with the bat, Manav Suthar played a major role in finishing the match with the ball.

The left-arm spinner picked up four wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings before producing an outstanding six-wicket haul in the second innings.

Suthar's second-innings figures of 6/55 proved decisive as Sri Lanka struggled to chase down the target of 372 runs.

He finished the match with 10 wickets, making him one of the key reasons behind India's victory in Galle.

Sri Lanka Put Up Resistance

Sri Lanka had some positive moments despite losing the Test.

Sonal Dinusha provided important resistance with the bat in the first innings, while Niroshan Dickwella also made a valuable contribution. Their efforts helped Sri Lanka reach 284 after India had posted 462.

However, the 178-run deficit put Sri Lanka under considerable pressure.

In the second innings, Sri Lanka again showed some resistance. Dinusha scored 84, while Dhananjaya de Silva added 59.

But India's bowlers continued to create pressure and wickets fell at regular intervals. Eventually, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206, giving India a 165-run victory.

How India Won the IND vs SL 1st Test

India's victory was built around three major factors.

1. Devdutt Padikkal's 167

India needed a big first-innings score and Padikkal provided the perfect platform with his 167.

His long innings allowed India to build a total of 462 and put Sri Lanka under pressure from the beginning.

2. Manav Suthar's Match-Winning Spell

Suthar's 10-wicket match haul was another major difference between the two sides.

His six wickets in the second innings came at a crucial stage when Sri Lanka were attempting to chase 372 runs.

3. India's First-Innings Lead

India's 178-run first-innings advantage gave the visitors control of the Test.

Even though India scored 193 in the second innings, the overall advantage was enough to leave Sri Lanka with a difficult target.

IND vs SL 1st Test Highlights

Here are the major highlights from the first Test in Galle:

• India won the Test by 165 runs.
• India lead the two-match series 1-0.
• India scored 462 runs in the first innings.
• Sri Lanka scored 284 in their first innings.
• India took a 178-run first-innings lead.
• India scored 193 in the second innings.
• Sri Lanka were set a target of 372 runs.
• Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206.
• Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 and 44.
• Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match.
• Suthar recorded figures of 6/55 in the second innings.
• Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match.

IND vs SL 1st Test Player of the Match

Devdutt Padikkal was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the bat.

His 167-run innings in India's first innings was particularly important because it helped India build a commanding total.

Padikkal then added 44 runs in the second innings, further strengthening his impact on the match.

Although Manav Suthar's 10 wickets were crucial to India's victory, Padikkal's two significant contributions with the bat earned him the individual award.

What Went Wrong for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's biggest setback was their inability to stay close to India's first-innings total.

India scored 462, while Sri Lanka managed 284. The resulting 178-run deficit meant the hosts were playing catch-up for most of the match.

Sri Lanka needed a strong batting performance in the fourth innings while chasing 372. However, India's bowlers maintained pressure and prevented the hosts from building enough partnerships.

Suthar's six-wicket haul eventually ended Sri Lanka's hopes of completing a successful chase.

What Next for India and Sri Lanka?

India now have a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23, with the match taking place at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Sri Lanka will need to win the second Test to level the series, while India will be aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a series victory.

The first Test has also given India plenty of positives, particularly the performances of Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar.

IND vs SL 1st Test Result: Final Verdict

India's 165-run victory was built on a combination of strong batting and disciplined bowling.

Devdutt Padikkal's 167 gave India the platform to post a huge first-innings score, while Manav Suthar's 10 wickets ensured that Sri Lanka could not recover from their early deficit.

With India leading the series 1-0, the pressure is now firmly on Sri Lanka heading into the second Test.

India will enter the next match with confidence, while Sri Lanka will need a much-improved performance if they want to keep the series alive.

IND vs SL 1st Test FAQs

Who won the IND vs SL 1st Test?

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium.

What is the IND vs SL Test series score?

India lead the two-match Test series 1-0.

What was India's score in the first innings?

India scored 462 runs in their first innings.

What was Sri Lanka's first-innings score?

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 runs.

What target did Sri Lanka need to chase?

Sri Lanka were set a target of 372 runs to win the Test.

What was Sri Lanka's second-innings score?

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 runs.

Who scored 167 for India?

Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 runs in India's first innings.

How many wickets did Manav Suthar take?

Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match, including six wickets in Sri Lanka's second innings.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Devdutt Padikkal was named the Player of the Match.

When is the second IND vs SL Test?

The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23, 2026, in Colombo.