As It Happened: India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 4 at Galle
Live cricket score and ball-by-ball commentary from the fourth day of the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Galle on Saturday.
Sri Lanka defeated India by 63 runs in the first Test in Galle on Saturday to take the lead in the three-match series. Catch all the highlights of the match here: (SCORECARD | SCHEDULE)
India, set a victory target of 176 runs, folded up for 112 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day, with left-arm spinner Rangana Herath finishing with seven wickets.
It was only the second time Sri Lanka had defended a target of less than 200 runs. Pakistan, set 168 to win at Galle in 2009, were shot out for 117 when Herath claimed four wickets.
Sri Lanka's remarkable win against India came after they were reduced to 95-5 in their second innings before lunch on Friday, still 98 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat.
Dinesh Chandimal engineered the fightback with a brilliant 162 off 169 balls, sharing valuable partnerships with Lahiru Thirimanne (44) and Jehan Mubarak (49) to lift the hosts to 367.
The second Test starts at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on August 20.
Live Score: India vs Sri Lanka
That's all we have from this Test. Do join us back on 20th August at 10 am IST for the second Test. Until then, it's goodbye and take care from us. Ciao!
ANGELO MATHEWS - Says that it was an absolute turnaround. Adds that it was a poor batting performance in the first innings. The wicket was deteriorating and they were down and out. Says he told his guys that they just need to go out and play and that the spinners were outstanding.
VIRAT KOHLI - Says that they got no one but themselves to blame. Credit to Mathews and his men. One bad session and things can turn around quickly. Credits Herath, says he bowled good lines and he is a world class bowler. Adds that the ball started spinning from day 1 and Ashwin came into play. Praises his batsmen as they got 375 in the first innings that too on a difficult pitch. Credits the way Chandimal, Thirimanne, Sangakkara and Mubarak batted.
DINESH CHANDIMAL (Man of the match) - Says that it was not an easy wicket to bat on and says the he was trying reverse sweep and sweep and put pressure on the bowler. Says he tried to rotate the strike and also credits Mathews, Sangakkara, Mubarak and Thirimanne for playing well. Initially says he did not have an idea but then he thought 175 was a good total.
RANGANA HERATH - Says it was a wonderful comeback, says that they had a bad time in the first innings. Chandimal did a good job and says that he gave his 100 percent. Also says that he had a chat with his spin coach last night and that is the main reason for his success. Adds that he is carrying a bit of injuries and his knees are sore. This can be a turnaround game and everything is possible his captain told him.
Today it were the spinners, we called them the 'magicians' who picked up all 10 wickets. Tharindu Kaushal bowled well and Rangana Herath was exceptional. He picked up 7 wickets and helped his side clinch a victory. The Indian batsmen had no answers to the questions asked by the Lankan spinners, outstanding bowling effort. An exciting, thrilling Test match this was, wasn't it? And with this win, Sri Lanka lead the 3-match Test series, 1-0.
Phew, what a match! Sri Lanka have won an unbelievable match. One would have expected India to get 153 runs by this time, but no, it's the Lankan Lions who have managed to pick up as many as 9 wickets in the 41.5 overs bowled today. Brilliant effort by team Sri Lanka. When they were down and out of the game, Dinesh Chandimal played a gem of an innings. A test of character that was. He fought hard and scored a massive 162, also he was supported nicely by the lower order. Those partnerships helped the home side to set a target of 176.
OUT! That's the last wicket! Sri Lanka have WON the match by 63 RUNS! Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Mishra looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball lobs up in the air towards silly point. The fielder, Karunratne runs behind and takes a fine diving catch.
Flatter on leg, Mishra leaves it and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Mishra has defended this one as well.