India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: Latest updates.

Indian and Sri Lankan Test cricketers holding their bats and helmets during the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Indian and Sri Lankan Test cricketers acknowledge the crowd after important batting performances during the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series.

Get the latest India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 score, match results, key performances, Dhruv Jurel’s century, Rishabh Pant’s innings and series updates.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026: Latest Score, Results and Key Performances

Overall, the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 is off to a great start for India. India remained 1–0 in series after clutching a 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle. The second Test starts from August 23rd to 27th, 2026, in Colombo.

Hence the latest official update was on 503 for 9 on August 25 in India’s second Test. Sri Lanka were 261 for 8 and lagged 242 behind India. Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 was the highlight while Rishabh Pant hit an attacking 63 for India.

The second Test is ongoing and the score and situation may change when this is being written. Note the latest scorecard as readers should not rely on this live score as the final score. 

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

TestVenueDatesStatus
1st TestGalle International StadiumAugust 15–19, 2026India won by 165 runs
2nd TestColomboAugust 23–27, 2026 In progress as of August 25 

The 2026 India tour of Sri Lanka consists of two Test matches, with the series scheduled from August 7 to August 27.

First Test: India Won by 165 Runs in Galle 

India started the series with ease and put on an impressive 165-run stand in Galle. India scored 462 in the first innings and 193 in the second whereas Sri Lanka posted 284 in the first and 206 in the second. This took India 1 point up in the series.

Er. Devdutt Padikkal took on an excellent Player of the Match tally after a stupendous off-spinning 167 which he registered in India’s debut innings. His extended blitz helped India put 271 runs in their first innings and got them in trouble from the start.

It wasn’t only Manu, though; Manav Suthar was also at the heart of the Indian win. The left-arm in-batted bowler scalped six wickets and picked up ten wickets to close the game. He was one of the most significant contributors in the opening Test for his control and his ability to get the ball off the Galle surface.

However, Sri Lanka could point to a few positives. Sonal Dinusha bowled India a strong fight by getting her 100s first and 84 in the second-innings for an Indian victory. But Sri Lanka’s top order could not lay solid foundations to chase the target.

Second Test: Dhruv Jurel Leads India’s Batting Charge 

Dhruv Jurel has been in the limelight in the second Test in Colombo. Jurel played a miniscule 115 off 177 to lift his second Test century. His ability to bowl with patience and maintain concentration on the ball along with the attacking qualities helped India make a jump from 500 runs.

Reprise Rishabh Pant too had some significant background. The pair were in fine form as Batters, Babur Pant ladled out 63 off 89 balls with a positive side, while Jurel contributed 112 off the 81-ball. He was a numerically focused hitter, who started the tempo in the innings and put Sri Lanka’s bowlers in pressure.

India went ahead and declared 503 for 9 for India. The announcement allowed the Indian bowlers to get the Sri Lankan batsman ready for their attack at the end of the day. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar had broken the deadlock early on putting Sri Lanka in a precarious situation at the close of the latest update.

Key Players to Watch 

Dhruv Jurel

One of the most interesting stories of the series is that of Dhruv Jurel. He has now established that he can make a good sized test score with the Sri Lankan banners on. He is quick to change the strike and stay disciplined for a considerable period of time which has contributed to India’s lower middle order’s stability. 

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is still one of the most significant attackers in India. Though the Indian innings were speedy at times, his 63 in the second Test proved to be at a different pace that helped India change its gear from accumulation to acceleration. He is also an important player in the match because of his expertise in wicket keeping and counter attacking. 

Devdutt Padikkal

The highlight of the first Test was Devdutt Padikkal’s 167 in the manner of Galle. His innings illustrated the importance of a good start leading to a very large finish, especially when the ball was played ‘sour’ as the match progressed. 

Manav Suthar

In the first Test, Manav Suthar came up trumps with a match-worthy ten-wicket haul. However, control and wicket taking power was his forte from left arm with spin which came in handy in Sri Lanka’s second innings. So he will be an observation point in the exploration of the Colombo Test. 

Sonal Dinusha

Sri Lanka’s top provider of resistance is Sonal Dinusha. He displayed composure in his 84 and century in Galle, which faced an organised Indian attack. Sri Lanka must expect to get a helping hand from its middle-order as well if it is to trouble the Indian defence in the second Test. 

Why the Colombo Test Matters 

They are a game away from an equal battle in the second Test. India looked to dislodge their 1–0 deficit with the chance for a series sweep. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka required an effective reply in response to their loss at Galle and improvement in their top order batting and partnership skills was also a must.

But after the first 503 for 9, India were quick to cash on their advantage, which could be eroded in Test cricket by a long partnership, an adverse break of the pitch but a break in the weather. Sri Lanka’s immediate need is to minimise the deficit and push India to bat once again. India’s aim is to use disciplined delivery to take 10 wickets while keeping pressure on the batter.

What the Series Shows About Test Cricket 

The series has brought in the lesson of patience, spin bowling and great knock for the players. Padikkal’s massive knock and Suthar’s 10 wickets in Test cricket helped the Indian side achieve its maiden Test win. Jurel provided a century and Pant was the aggressive fountain of inspiration to put India in charge of the game in the second Test.

The individual resistance in Sri Lanka is also on display as to why it counts in Test rugby. With Dinusa, the hosts have found a useful source for their fight but this must come from the top order on a regular basis. If wickets fall in the first six or seven overs then a difficult pitch, particularly in the presence of a high target, can become even more challenging. 

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series: Current Summary 

CategoryIndiaSri Lanka
Series position after first TestLead 1–0Trail 0–1
First Test resultWon by 165 runsLost in Galle
Second Test latest position Declared 503/9 261/8, trailing by 242 runs 
Major batting performanceDhruv Jurel 115*, Devdutt Padikkal 167 in first Test Sonal Dinusha 100 and 84 in first Test 
Major bowling performance Manav Suthar’s ten-wicket match haul in first Test Prabath Jayasuriya and Asitha Fernando among the key bowlers 

Final Takeaway

India’s batting comfort and spinners’ strength have been dominant in the India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026 so far. India were forced to a maiden 165-run victory in Galle to give the visitors the lead, but D Jurel’s unbeaten century and Rishabh Pant’s attacking 63 have put India in a strong situation in the Colombo Test.

But Sri Lanka still has to turn the tide, with a need to find long partnerships and cut back the India bowling edge. The final series result should be updated after the conclusion of the second Test because the league isn’t completed yet. Finally, wait until you have a scorecard closed after the match for adding the final score, Player of the Match and confirmed series result for an accurate post-match article. 

References

1. Cricbuzz. [India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 — Schedule, Matches and Results](https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/12687/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2026/matches ). Accessed August 25, 2026.

2. ESPNcricinfo. [India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test 2026 — Match Report](https://www.espn.com.au/cricket/series/24567/report/1544002/day/1/sri-lanka-vs-india-2nd-test-24567 ). Published August 25, 2026. Accessed August 25, 2026.

3. ESPNcricinfo. [Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test 2026 — Scorecard and Report](https://www.espn.com/cricket/series/24567/game/1544001/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-24567 ). Accessed August 25, 2026.

4. Reuters. [Sri Lanka 130–4 in Reply to India’s 503–9 Declared](https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-130-4-reply-indias-503-9-declared-2026-08-25/ ). Published August 25, 2026. Accessed August 25, 2026.