The focus will also be on the SSC pitch, with spin expected to have a role
Published: August 23, 2026, 8:00 AM IST
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India’s captain Shubman Gill and teammates appeal for the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Keshara Nuwantha during the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India, in Galle, Sri Lanka, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026(Photo: IANS)
India will look to seal the two-match Test series when they take on Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from Sunday, August 23India lead the series 1-0 after a 165-run win in the opening Test in Galle.
The first Test was a strong start for Shubman Gill’s side, although the match was affected by rainIndia were in control for most of the contest after making 460 for nine, with Devdutt Padikkal producing the biggest batting effort of the game.
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The left-hander scored 167, his maiden Test century, and played a key role in helping India post a big first-innings totalKL Rahul also made a valuable 82 after returning to the crease following cramps, while Dhruv Jurel added a quick 51.
Sri Lanka’s spinners did give their team some hopePrabath Jayasuriya picked up four wickets for 109 runs, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha took three wicketsThey helped Sri Lanka fight back after India had started strongly, but the hosts could not keep the pressure on for long.
India’s biggest difference came with the ballManav Suthar was the standout performer, taking 10 wickets in the matchHis second-innings figures of 6/55 were particularly important as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372Ravindra Jadeja also played his part with three wickets in the first innings.
The result has put India in a strong position heading into the Colombo Test, but Sri Lanka have reasons to believe they can put up a better fightThey will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, with Chandimal ruled out after suffering a concussion in GallePathum Nissanka is also unavailable as he continues to recover from wrist surgery.
The focus will also be on the SSC pitch, with spin expected to have a roleHowever, reports suggest Sri Lanka are not planning an outright spin-friendly surface and could prepare a more balanced wicket.
Colombo weather and pitch report
The SSC pitch is expected to offer a reasonably balanced contest, with spin likely to become more important as the match progressesThe weather is the bigger concernColombo is expected to be hot, humid and mostly cloudy on Sunday, with showers possible during the afternoon.
The forecast puts the temperature around 31°C, with the possibility of a passing shower rather than continuous rainThat means the start of play could be fine, but rain remains a threat later in the dayAfter the interruptions in Galle, both teams will be hoping Colombo provides longer periods of uninterrupted play.
