Sri Lanka, 23 August (Sports Desk)
India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test — Day 1 Report
India in Sri Lanka, 2-Test Series 2026
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Day 1: August 23, 2026
Stumps: India 300/5 after 85 overs
Sri Lanka: Yet to bat
India finished the opening day of the second Test in a strong position after choosing to bat first. The visitors reached 300/5 in 85 overs, putting themselves in a promising position to build a substantial first-innings total on Day 2.
watch….Harsimranjit Shines as Puadh Express Continue Winning Run
Devdutt Padikkal Leads the Way
Devdutt Padikkal once again proved to be the standout performer for India. After his magnificent 167 in the first Test at Galle, Padikkal continued his excellent form in Colombo and scored another century.
His innings was particularly valuable because Sri Lanka had opportunities to dismiss him early but failed to capitalise, allowing the left-hander to make them pay.
🏏 India’s Top Order
India began positively but lost both openers during the first session.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made 45 off 53 balls, hitting nine boundaries before being dismissed by Asitha Fernando. KL Rahul contributed 18 off 33 balls, including a four and a six, before falling to Lahiru Kumara.
Captain Shubman Gill then joined Padikkal and helped stabilise the innings. Gill was unbeaten on 36 at one stage of the day as India rebuilt after losing their openers.
Sri Lanka Fight Back
Sri Lanka’s bowlers made important breakthroughs throughout the day, with Asitha Fernando the pick of their attack.
At stumps, Fernando had bowled 16 overs for 46 runs and taken three wickets. Lahiru Kumara had claimed one wicket after bowling 13 overs for 38 runs.
Despite the wickets, Sri Lanka could not prevent India from reaching the 300-run mark.
🧤 Rishabh Pant Injury Scare
India also faced a concern when Rishabh Pant was struck on the wrist during the day’s play. He subsequently left the field and retired hurt. His injury will be closely monitored as the Test progresses.
Sri Lanka Team Situation
Sri Lanka entered the second Test without several important batting options. Kusal Mendis was unavailable because of a hamstring injury, while Dinesh Chandimal missed the match after suffering a concussion during the first Test. Pathum Nissanka was also recovering from wrist surgery.
India, meanwhile, made one change to their XI, with Kuldeep Yadav missing out after not fully recovering from a viral infection.
Day 1 Scorecard
| India | Runs |
|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 45 |
| KL Rahul | 18 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Century |
| Shubman Gill | 36 |
| Dhruv Jurel | 7* |
| Saransh Jain | 4* |
| India | 300/5 (85 overs) |
The available scorecard confirms Dhruv Jurel 7* and Saransh Jain 4* at stumps.
Day 1 Highlights
- 🇮🇳 India finished 300/5 in 85 overs.
- Devdutt Padikkal scored another century after his 167 in Galle.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal — 45 off 53 balls.
- Shubman Gill — 36.
- Asitha Fernando — 3 wickets for 46 runs.
- Lahiru Kumara — 1 wicket for 38 runs.
- Rishabh Pant suffered a wrist injury scare and retired hurt.
- Sri Lanka are yet to bat.
- India are in a strong position to push beyond 400 runs on Day 2.
Match Situation
India’s 300/5 gives them the upper hand at the end of Day 1, although Sri Lanka’s four-wicket haul from Asitha Fernando kept the home side in the contest. With Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain at the crease, India will look to add a substantial number of runs on Day 2 before giving their bowlers an opportunity.
After winning the first Test by 165 runs, India are aiming to complete a 2–0 series sweep, while Sri Lanka need a strong response to level the series.
Current position: 🇮🇳 India 300/5 (85 overs), Sri Lanka yet to bat.
