SL vs IND Sri Lanka vs India 2026 Test Series, Schedule, Scores and Latest Updates

The SL vs IND cricket rivalry is back in the spotlight as Sri Lanka and India meet in a two-Test series in August 2026. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle, with matches scheduled in Galle and Colombo.

India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The second Test began in Colombo on August 23, with India winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

For readers following SL vs IND live score, match results, schedules, teams and key performances, here is a clear guide to the 2026 Test series.

SL vs IND 2026 Test Series at a Glance

The first Test was played from August 15 to 19 in Galle, while the second Test is scheduled for August 23 to 27 in Colombo.

SL vs IND 1st Test Result

India made a strong start to the series by defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle.

India scored 462 in the first innings and 193 in the second. Sri Lanka replied with 284 and 206, respectively.

Key Performers

India’s victory was built around major contributions with both bat and ball.

Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match after making 167 in India’s first innings and contributing 44 in the second.

Spinner Manav Suthar was also central to India’s success. He took four wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings before claiming six more in the second innings, finishing with 10 wickets in the match.

Sri Lanka did have notable individual performances, including innings from Sonal Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 206 while chasing 372.

SL vs IND 2nd Test: Colombo

The second and final Test began on August 23, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. The scheduled match window is August 23–27.

India entered the match with a 1-0 advantage and therefore have the opportunity to complete a series victory. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a win in Colombo to level the two-match series.

At the latest available score update, India had won the toss and elected to bat, reaching 13/0 after 3.4 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was unbeaten on 13, while KL Rahul was yet to score.

Because the match is currently in progress, scores and match situations can change quickly.

SL vs IND 2026 Schedule

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the two-Test schedule and stated that both matches form part of the World Test Championship cycle.

Teams and Important Players

Both sides have experienced international players as well as younger cricketers looking to establish themselves in Test cricket.

India

India’s announced Test squad included:

• Shubman Gill — Captain
• KL Rahul — Vice-Captain
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rishabh Pant
• Sai Sudharsan
• Dhruv Jurel
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Manav Suthar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Gurnoor Brar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Saransh Jain

Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah’s availability was subject to fitness clearance when the squad was announced.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s squad for the opening Test was led by Dhananjaya de Silva, with Kamindu Mendis named vice-captain. The squad also included Dinesh Chandimal, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara.

The second-Test lineup has seen changes, with Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara among the players making their Test debuts in Colombo.

Why the SL vs IND Series Matters

This is more than a conventional bilateral contest. Both Tests count toward the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle, making every result relevant to the teams’ wider championship campaigns.

For India, winning the first Test created an immediate advantage and put them in position to claim the series in Colombo.

For Sri Lanka, the second Test provides a chance to respond at home and prevent India from completing a 2-0 sweep.

What to Watch in the Colombo Test

India’s batting approach

With players such as Jaiswal, Rahul and Gill in the batting group, India have several options for building a substantial first-innings total.

The Colombo conditions may also influence how aggressively the batters approach the new ball and how they handle spin as the Test progresses.

Sri Lanka’s response with the ball

Sri Lanka will need early wickets to prevent India’s top order from establishing control. Their ability to create pressure through spin and disciplined pace bowling could be particularly important over a long Test.

Spin battle

Spin was a major factor in Galle, where Manav Suthar’s 10-wicket performance proved decisive. The battle between India’s spinners and Sri Lanka’s spin attack could again have a major influence on the result.

The first-innings advantage

In Test cricket, a strong first innings can shape the entire match. With India batting first in Colombo after winning the toss, Sri Lanka will be looking for regular wickets before the visitors can build a commanding total.

SL vs IND Head-to-Head Context

Sri Lanka and India have a long history in international cricket across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Recent meetings have included India’s strong performances as well as notable Sri Lankan wins. In the last 10 listed meetings across formats, India have won seven, Sri Lanka two, with one match tied before a Super Over result was recorded.

However, head-to-head numbers alone do not determine the outcome of a Test. Pitch conditions, selection, weather, form and the ability to sustain pressure across five days can all be more important on the day.

Where to Follow SL vs IND Live

Fans looking for SL vs IND live score can follow live scorecards, ball-by-ball commentary, playing XIs and match updates through major cricket-score services.

The second Test is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23, with the scheduled start at 10:00 AM local time.

For a news-focused sports site, live coverage can also be complemented with:

• Toss updates
• Playing XI announcements
• Session-by-session scores
• Wicket updates
• Match highlights
• Day-by-day analysis
• Final scorecard and result

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SL vs IND mean?

SL vs IND is shorthand for a cricket match between Sri Lanka (SL) and India (IND). The abbreviation is commonly used in cricket scorecards, schedules, news reports and live-score pages.

Who won the first SL vs IND Test in 2026?

India won the first Test in Galle by 165 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

When is the second SL vs IND Test?

The second Test began on August 23, 2026, and is scheduled to run through August 27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Where is the SL vs IND second Test being played?

The second Test is being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Who won the toss in the second Test?

India won the toss and elected to bat first in the Colombo Test.

Who was Player of the Match in the first Test?

India’s Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match after his significant batting contribution in Galle.

How many Tests are in the SL vs IND 2026 series?

The 2026 India tour of Sri Lanka consists of two Test matches. Both are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.

Conclusion

The SL vs IND 2026 Test series has already produced a decisive opening contest, with India defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle. The Colombo Test now offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to level the series, while India are aiming to turn their first-Test advantage into a series victory.

With the second match underway, the most important developments will be India’s first-innings total, Sri Lanka’s response with the ball and how both teams handle the conditions over five days. For followers of Sri Lanka cricket and Indian cricket, the Colombo Test is the key remaining chapter of this two-match series.