India began their Sri Lankan tour with a bang as the Virat Kohli-led unit, on Day 4 of the first Test on Saturday, defeated hosts by 304 runs to win the Galle Test and took 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s three-wicket haul in the post tea session helped India move closer to a big win before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Lahiru Kumara to complete India’s win. Injured Rangana Herath and Asela Gunaratne did not bat as India sealed their biggest win in Sri Lanka on the run-margin.

The Indian off-spinner dismissed Niroshan Dickwella, Gunathilaka and Lahiru Kumara in the final session on Day 4 as India continued their domination against the Rangana Herath-led side.

Gunathilaka and Dickwella put up 101-run stand to revive some hopes of Sri Lankan fightback, with Niroshan Dickwella scoring 67 runs. Sri Lanka were 192/4 at tea, chasing 550 runs, against India on Day 4 of the first Test in Galle on Saturday. But Dickwella fell when Sri Lanka’s score was 217.

Earlier, while Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews got out cheaply, Gunathilaka and Dickwella managed to keep India at bay after Ravindra Jadeja scalped Mendis and Mathews quickly in the post lunch session. However, the Sri Lankan duo did not allow India to run through their innings.

While Danushka Gunathilaka and Mendis shared 79-run stand, Jadeja’s twin strikes has more or less ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of salvaging a draw in the opening Test of the three-match Test series against Virat Kohli and Co.

Deccan Chronicle