India dominated the Sri Lankan team right from the start to win the first test match at Galle by 304 runs after tea break on the 4th day. It was a completely dominating performance by team India who outplayed Sri Lanka in all departments.
Here we look at the 5 reasons why India won the 1st Test against Sri Lanka
- Winning the toss
In the first test match, India won an important toss on a good batting pitch at Galle. It was an aggressive display of batting on the first day scoring 399 for 3 in 90 overs scoring at 4.43 runs per over. On the second day, they continued their aggression with contributions from lower order batsmen also especially the 9th wicket partnership between Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami of 62 runs that helped team India to post a massive total of 600 in 133.1 overs. The Indian batsmen played with positive intent scoring at 4.5 runs per over which gave the bowlers enough time to bowl Sri Lanka team out twice.
- Good collective batting in both innings
In the first innings, Shikhar Dhawan who was a replacement for Murali Vijay played with positive intent scored 190 runs in quick time. Dhawan and Pujara partnership of 253 for the second wicket gave a solid foundation for team India to build on a big total. Rahane scored 57, Ashwin 47 and Pandya scored a quick fire 50 helped the visitors to post 600 runs. Dhawan’s innings gave the time the Indian bowlers to dismiss Sri Lankan team twice.
In the second innings, 2 wickets fell but Virat Kohli and Mukund partnership of 133 runs made sure that India ended the third day in a dominating position. Kohli remained not out on 103 while Mukund scored 81. Team India declared on 240 for 3 to give Sri Lanka a massive total of 550 runs to win in second innings.
- Impressive bowling by Indian bowlers
On a good batting pitch, the Indian bowlers did a great job. In the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of bowlers taking 3 wickets. Mohammed Shami took 2 wickets while Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Hardik Pandya took 1 wicket each. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 291. In the second innings, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav provided the early wickets before Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took 3 wickets each. India bowled out Sri Lanka for 245 runs to give India a massive 304 runs win.
- Not giving wickets to Rangana Herath
Last time, India played at Galle the main threat was named the man of the match. He took 7 wickets in the second innings to help Sri Lanka win the match. This time around, the Indian batsmen played Herath with confidence and put pressure on him. In the first innings, the captain bowled 40 overs giving away 159 runs and took only 1 wicket at a run rate of 3.97 runs per over, also in the second innings he went for 3.77 runs per over without taking a wicket. They played Hearth coming down the track and made sure that they played the other bowlers with ease.
- Hardik Pandya emerging as an all-rounder
Hardik Pandya made his test debut in this match. In the first innings, Hardik Pandya played a quick fire knock of 50 runs which helped India to post 600 runs. While bowling he bowled with pace and took the wicket of Nuwan Pradeep. It was a good debut for Pandya who gives balance to the team with his bowling and also aggressive batting.
He needs to play with a positive attitude in the next two test matches at Colombo and Palleke. His fielding gives the team a much-needed relief.