Playing his first away Test of career, Manav Suthar scripted history at Galle International Stadium on Day 5 of the first Test of the series against Sri Lanka. Suthar claimed a six-wicket haul in the fourth innings, completing 10 wickets in the Galle Test. He registered the best bowling figures by an Indian left-arm spinner in away Tests.
Suthar took 10 wickets for 131 runs from 45.2 overs against Sri Lanka. The previous record belonged to former India captain and legendary left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi who had taken 10 wickets for 194 runs against Australia at the WACA in December 1977.
ALSO READ: Where do India stand in WTC 2025-27 standings after 165-run win vs Sri Lanka in Galle?
Suthar misses breaking 58-year-old record
Suthar's six wickets for 55 runs is also the best bowling figures by an Indian left-arm spinner in away Tests. The record remains in possession of Bapu Nadkarni who claimed six wickets for 43 runs against New Zealand in 1968.
Suthar breaks Harbhajan’s record
Suthar also broke the record for the best match haul for an Indian bowler in Sri Lanka. Before Suthar, Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin had taken 10 wickets in a Test on Sri Lankan soil. Interestingly, the other two came in Galle as well. Harbhajan had taken 10 wickets for 153 runs in 2008. Seven years later, Ashwin had taken 10 wickets from 160 runs.
Suthar takes 3 wickets in an over
Suthar was on a hat-trick twice during Sri Lanka's run chase. In the last session of Day 4, he dismissed opener Lahiru Udara and concussion substitute, debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara off consecutive deliveries.
He could not take a wicket in the first session on Day 5. In the second session, his hard work paid off. First, a well-set Sonal Dinusha fell victim to the leg-stump line. He was caught by leg gully fielder Dhruv Jurel. He scored 84 runs. On the next delivery, Suthar bowled it in the stumps and knocked over Prabath Jayasuriya. Tailender Lahiru Kumara was able to block the hat-trick ball on the front foot. But, on the last ball of the over, he got out caught behind. In his next over, Suthar conceded a boundary and two runs before knocking over Keshara Nuwantha to hand India a 165-run victory.