In a stunning display of cricket prowess, Australia clinched a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle, concluding the game with an innings and 242-run margin. This match, which took place at the Galle International Stadium, showcased Australia's dominance on both batting and bowling fronts from the onset.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Australia's batting line-up was in formidable form, with Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Josh Inglis leading the charge with the bat. Khawaja notched up a double century, while Smith reached his 35th Test hundred, and Josh Inglis scored a century on debut propelling Australia to an imposing first-innings total of 654 for 6 before declaring. This set a challenging target for Sri Lanka, who struggled to respond effectively.
The Australian bowlers, particularly Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting order. Kuhnemann was the standout performer, bagging 9 wickets for the match, including a significant 5-wicket haul in the first innings and his 4-wicket haul contributed to Sri Lanka being bowled out for 247 in their 2nd innings after being forced to follow on. Lyon complemented this with 7 wickets, ensuring Sri Lanka could not recover from the initial onslaught.
This victory not only gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also marked one of their most convincing wins in Sri Lanka, highlighting their adaptability and skill on a pitch traditionally favoring spinners. The result has reignited discussions about the balance of power in Test cricket, with Australia asserting its dominance in a venue where they have historically faced challenges.
The next Test in the series promises to be equally gripping as both teams look to either build on this momentum or stage a comeback. The second and final Test match of this 2-match Test series will be played at the same venue, Galle, starting from Feb 6th.
Brief Scores: Australia - 654/6 decl defeated Sri Lanka - 165 all out & 247 all out by a margin of an innings and 242 runs
