SL vs IND 2026: Sri Lanka vs India Highlights & Review – 1st Test, Day 1

How did Day 1 of the first Test go between Sri Lanka vs India? — Review, Turning Points & more

India enjoyed a strong opening day in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 15, scoring 288 runs in 73 overs. KL Rahul top-scored with 77 off 162 balls before retiring hurt due to severe cramps, while Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on a century at stumps. It was a tough day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers as the Indian batters dominated proceedings throughout the day.

Top batting performances of the match — Devdutt Padikkal

Indian No. 3 batter Devdutt Padikkal held his nerve throughout the day and played the Sri Lankan spinners brilliantly. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, including 12 fours and a six. He stitched together a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul for the second wicket and added another 52 runs with Rishabh Pant, who was unbeaten at stumps.

Best bowling spells — Prabath Jayasuriya

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim a wicket, dismissing Indian captain Shubman Gill. He finished the day with figures of 1/77 in 24 overs, while the rest of Sri Lanka’s bowlers failed to take a wicket.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• India’s No. 3 went 35 consecutive Tests without a century between September 2024 and June 2026.
• This was Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s third Test run-out, after being dismissed run out against Australia at the MCG in 2024 and the West Indies in Delhi last year.
• India have played 600 men’s Tests, the third-most in Test history.
• Galle International Stadium has hosted 50 Tests, the most among Asian venues.