Updated: August 15, 2026

India and Sri Lanka begin their two-match Test series at Galle International Stadium on August 15, 2026.

India vs Sri Lanka: Latest Score and Match Details

India vs Sri Lanka is underway in the first Test of a two-match series at Galle International Stadium on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship and marks India's return to Sri Lanka for Test cricket after a significant gap.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first. By the end of Day 1, India had reached 288 for 2 after 73 overs, putting the visitors in a strong position. Devdutt Padikkal finished unbeaten on 131, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 27. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/india-opt-bat-galle-opener-against-sri-lanka-2026-08-15/))

India vs Sri Lanka Latest Score

At the close of play on the first day, India were 288/2. Devdutt Padikkal produced the standout innings with an unbeaten 131, his maiden Test century, while Rishabh Pant remained at the crease on 27. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/devdutt-padikkals-131-headlines-indias-dominant-day-1-at-288/2-in-galle-on-independence-day/articleshow/133263406.cms))

India lost two wickets during the day. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 32 after an unusual run-out, while captain Shubman Gill also fell before stumps. KL Rahul contributed a valuable half-century earlier in the innings before the batting partnership was reshaped. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/devdutt-padikkals-131-headlines-indias-dominant-day-1-at-288/2-in-galle-on-independence-day/articleshow/133263406.cms))

Who Won the Toss?

India won the toss and chose to bat first. Shubman Gill made the decision at Galle, giving India's batsmen the opportunity to make use of the pitch before it potentially becomes more helpful to spin bowling later in the Test. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/india-opt-bat-galle-opener-against-sri-lanka-2026-08-15/))

Why Is India vs Sri Lanka Trending?

The first Test has attracted significant attention because it begins a new World Test Championship series and represents an important overseas challenge for India's developing Test side under Gill's leadership.

The match is also India's 600th Test, adding historical significance to the opening day. India entered the match after a 2-2 Test series draw in England and a home series victory over West Indies, while Sri Lanka are looking to build momentum in their own WTC campaign. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/indias-600th-test-shubman-gill-opts-to-bat-vs-sri-lanka-heres-who-made-indias-xi-in-galle/articleshow/133255707.cms))

Devdutt Padikkal Stars for India

The biggest individual story of Day 1 was Devdutt Padikkal's 131 not out. Batting at No. 3, Padikkal produced a controlled and increasingly dominant innings to guide India through difficult periods and eventually establish a commanding position.

The century was Padikkal's first in Test cricket and strengthened his case for a permanent place in India's middle order. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised his preparation and back-foot technique after the innings. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/the-way-he-has-prepared-himself-india-coach-explains-key-to-devdutt-padikkals-maiden-test-century/articleshow/133264699.cms))

What Happened to Yashasvi Jaiswal?

Yashasvi Jaiswal made a positive start before being dismissed for 32 from 37 balls. His dismissal became one of the most discussed moments of the day because he was involved in an accidental collision with Sri Lankan bowler Keshara Nuwantha while attempting to complete a run.

Jaiswal lost his balance, and the resulting confusion left both batters at the non-striker's end. Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella then completed the run-out. The incident generated debate among cricket fans, although the dismissal was recorded as a legitimate run-out. ([bengali.indianexpress.com](https://bengali.indianexpress.com/sports/yashasvi-jaiswal-run-out-controversy-sri-lanka-galle-test-12262942))

Nishan Madushka Injury During the Match

Sri Lanka also faced an injury concern early in India's innings. Opener Nishan Madushka, fielding at short leg, was struck on the helmet by a powerful KL Rahul sweep shot.

Madushka underwent a concussion assessment and was taken from the field for further medical attention. Reports said he was later taken to hospital, with the full extent of his injury still being assessed. ([bengali.indianexpress.com](https://bengali.indianexpress.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-galle-test-nishan-madushka-injured-kl-rahul-sweep-shot-12262911))

When Is India vs Sri Lanka?

The first Test began on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Galle International Stadium. The match is the first of a two-Test series.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 23, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo. The series is part of the World Test Championship. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/ind-vs-sl-test-series-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-sri-lanka-live/articleshow/133231239.cms))

Where to Watch India vs Sri Lanka

In India, the Test series is being broadcast on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available through Sony LIV. DD Sports has also been listed as a television option for viewers seeking free coverage in India. ([bengali.indianexpress.com](https://bengali.indianexpress.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-first-test-live-streaming-time-channel-12260558))

Broadcast and streaming availability can vary by country, so viewers outside India should check their local cricket rights holders for the applicable coverage.

India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Test Record

India have historically held the advantage in Test cricket against Sri Lanka. Across 46 previous Tests, India had won 22, Sri Lanka had won 7, and 17 ended in draws.

India also have the better overall Test record in Sri Lanka, although Galle has historically been more challenging for visiting teams. At Galle, Sri Lanka had won three of five Tests against India, while India had won two. ([bengali.indianexpress.com](https://bengali.indianexpress.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-head-to-head-india-record-galle-test-sri-lanka-12260848))

Why Galle Matters

Galle International Stadium is renowned for its spin-friendly conditions, particularly as Test matches progress. The surface can offer assistance to slower bowlers as the game develops, potentially making India's spin combination of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and other options important later in the match.

India's strong first-innings start means Sri Lanka's bowlers will now face pressure to restrict the visitors before they can build a total large enough to control the Test.

What Is at Stake in the World Test Championship?

The series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, making every Test valuable toward the championship table.

India have previously reached the World Test Championship final twice without winning the title. Sri Lanka are also looking to improve their position in the current cycle, making the two-Test series significant for both teams.

India vs Sri Lanka Team Leadership

Shubman Gill leads India in the series, while Dhananjaya de Silva captains Sri Lanka. Gill's leadership is an important storyline as India continue establishing their next generation of Test cricket following changes to the team's senior leadership structure.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are attempting to use home conditions to challenge an Indian side that has traditionally been one of the strongest Test teams in the world.

What Happens on Day 2?

India will resume their first innings with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Rishabh Pant on 27. The immediate objective will be to extend the total toward a substantial first-innings score before eventually attempting to dismiss Sri Lanka.

For the hosts, taking early wickets on Day 2 will be crucial. If Sri Lanka can break India's partnership quickly, they can prevent the visitors from converting their dominant opening day into an overwhelming first-innings advantage.

Bottom Line

India vs Sri Lanka is underway in the first Test at Galle, with India ending Day 1 on 288/2. Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 131 was the highlight of a dominant Indian batting performance. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/devdutt-padikkals-131-headlines-indias-dominant-day-1-at-288/2-in-galle-on-independence-day/articleshow/133263406.cms))

India won the toss and batted first, and the visitors now have a strong platform heading into Day 2. Sri Lanka will need early wickets to prevent India's advantage from growing further, while the Galle pitch could become increasingly important as the Test progresses. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/india-opt-bat-galle-opener-against-sri-lanka-2026-08-15/))