Galle Test was meant to be a spin trial for India batters, but it was Manav Suthar who ran riot with the ball against the hosts. Sri Lanka were impressive in patches, especially with the ball in India’s second innings, where Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando did well to propel a collapse.
India started the first Test well and controlled most of the game thanks to Devdutt Padikkal’s batting heroics and KL Rahul’s brilliant knock. Then the bowlers did their job. Suthar was the stand-out, and he was ably supported by Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Sri Lanka, already hampered by the loss of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, have been further hamstrung by the loss of Dinesh Chandimal. The only silver lining for the hosts in the first match was the batting of Sonal Dinusha, who scored his maiden ton in the first innings and followed it up with a fighting 80 in the second innings.
Details of the SL vs IND Match
Match: Sri Lanka vs India; 2nd Test
Date and Time: 23rd to 27th August 2026, 10:00 AM IST
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Broadcast and Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony Liv App
Sinhalese Sports Club, Pitch Report
Just like the first Test match, the captain who wins the toss will look to bat first. The match could see plenty of runs in the first few days of the game. After day three, thewicket will start assisting the bowlers, and the spinners could come into the equation. Pace bowlers will get better carry and bounce, and there will be early juice on the surface, making the first session of the day important.
SL vs IND Head-to-Head
Matches -47
India – 23
Sri Lanka – 7
Drawn Games – 17
SL vs IND at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Matches – 9
India – 2
Sri Lanka – 3
Drawn Games- 4
SL vs IND: Playing XIs
Sri Lanka – Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (C), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Ashitha Fernando.
India – Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
SL vs IND: Predicted best performers of the match
Best batter – Sonal Dinusha
Sri Lankan batter did well in both innings of the opening game of the series. Dinusha was comfortable against the pacers and spinners. He also plays the sweep well, as seen when he hit Kuldeep for a six to reach his fifty in the second innings. The 26-year-old could continue his dream form with the bat in Colombo as well.
Best bowler – Manav Suthar
Young Manav Suthar has been winning praises from cricket experts for his amazing 10/131 in Galle. The 24-year-old kept the batters guessing with his flight and turn and didn’t let the opposition off the hook. His four quick wickets post lunch on the final day helped India secure a massive win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The wicket in Colombo offers turn after day three, which makes Suthar a dangerous bowler.
Who will win the SL vs IND 2nd Test match?
In the nine SL vs IND tests played at this venue, it is the hosts who have won three games while India have won just two. However, on current form, the Indian side will be counted as favourites to win the match and secure a series win.