Galle Test: Indian innings built on Rahul‑Padikkal partnership overwhelms Sri Lanka

At Galle International Stadium, the opening Test of the series ended with a 165‑run victory for India. After electing to bat, India piled up 462 runs, bolstered by a 162‑run partnership between KL Rahul (82 & 35) and Devdutt Padikkal (167 & 44). Their follow‑up partnership of 65 runs in the second innings further cemented the lead.

Sri Lanka, having lost the toss, could only respond with 284, leaving India a 178‑run cushion. In the fourth innings, India added 193, setting a target of 372, which the hosts fell short of, finishing on 206.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva credited the Indian pair for creating sustained pressure, especially as the Galle pitch, conducive to batting early, turned challenging on day four. He emphasized that despite a spirited fight from his bowlers, the early dominance of Rahul and Padikkal dictated the match’s outcome.