Dominant India wrap up the first Test in four days

Their was only one team that looked like it was going for the kill and it was team India. India thrashed Sri Lanka in four days as they won the Galle Test by 304 runs. They have now a 1-0 lead in the three match series.

It was from the very beginning that it looked like India was going to dominate this test. Winning the toss, India decided to bat first and Shikhar Dhawan was all buisness. Although Abhinav Mukund couldn’t do well in the first innings but Pujara made us forget that quickly.

Both Dhawan and Pujara batted long and got India to a strong position with their 253 run partnership. Shikhar scored a faster than run a ball 190 and unfortunately couldn’t get a double hundred. Kohli disappointed in the first innings as well.

Later, Rahane with his fifty supported Pujara very well and together with contributions from Ashwin and debutant Hardik Pandya (50), also a handy knock from Shami meant that India put 600 runs in their first innings.

Sri lanka had lost Asela Gunaratne due to a thumb fracture and unfortunately he couldn’t take part in the match anymore. But problems were more for SL as they didn’t bat well in their first innings as India bowled them out for 291 in their first innings.

The only significant contributions to SL first innings were a 64 by Tharanga, 83 by Mathews and an unbeaten 92* by Dilruwan Perera. From India, every bowler got a wicket including debuting Hardik.

With now a lead of 309 runs, India decided not to enforce the follow on and instead bat again. In the 2nd innings Shikhar and Pujara couldn’t contribute much and instead Mukund and Kohli did.

Abhinav Mukund missed out on a hundred as he got out on 81 but it was captain Kohli, who took the opportunity and scored a century.

It was Virat Kohli’s 17th test century and it couldn’t have come on a more greater occasion. He ensured India posted a target of over 500 runs for the Sri Lankans.

Set a target of 550, SL just coudn’t battle and got all out on 245. Herath couldn’t bat in the 2nd innings due to injury so India only needed to get 8 out. The only significant contributions from SL were a brilliant 97 by Dimuth Karunaratne and a battling 67 by Dickwella.

India’s bowling looked once again good as Jadeja and Ashwin both got 3 wickets each and the seamers were also amongst wickets.

All in all, India will be pleased by a 304 run victory in the first test of a three match series and will be confident going ahead.