India Win Test Series 1-0 as Sonal Dinusha Helps Sri Lanka Hold on to Draw in IND vs SL 2nd Test 2026
India clinched the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 after the second Test at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, ended in a hard-fought draw on August 27, 2026. Sonal Dinusha's heroic third century of the series, scoring 133 runs in the second innings, ensured Sri Lanka saved the match.
The second Test of the India tour of Sri Lanka 2026, played at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27, 2026, ended in a draw, ensuring India clinched the two-match series 1-0. Despite India's dominant performance over the initial days, Sri Lanka's resilient batting, particularly from young Sonal Dinusha, held firm to secure a stalemate on the final day. ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 Points Table Updated: Australia Solidify Position At Top After Win in AUS vs BAN 2nd Test 2026.
Sonal Dinusha's Heroics Save Sri Lanka
Facing a mammoth 213-run first-innings deficit after India enforced the follow-on, Sri Lanka mounted an extraordinary comeback. At the heart of their resistance was the 25-year-old Sonal Dinusha, who displayed immense composure to score a heroic 133 runs from 264 deliveries in the second innings. This knock marked his third century of the series, a testament to his burgeoning talent and steely resolve. Dinusha's monumental effort followed a century in the first innings of this match and another in the first Test.
He found excellent support from Pasindu Sooriyabandara, the 26-year-old batter, who contributed a vital 92 runs in the second innings, building on his 80 in the first. Together with valuable contributions from Keshara Nuwantha and the lower order, who collectively spent close to 80 overs at the crease, Sri Lanka batted out most of Day 5 to finish on 429/9 following on. Sri Lanka eventually declared their innings at 429/9 following on, after batting out most of Day 5 and ensuring India would not have an opportunity to chase on a batting-friendly surface.
India's Dominant Start
India had laid a strong foundation by dominating the first two days of the Test. India won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a commanding total of 503 for 9 wickets declared in their first innings. This substantial score allowed them to secure a significant 213-run lead after bowling out Sri Lanka for 290 in their first essay, subsequently enforcing the follow-on. While no individual Indian batter's score from this match's first innings was highlighted in immediate reports, the team's collective effort set the stage for their control. Sonal Dinusha Becomes 3rd Sri Lankan Batter to Score 3 Centuries in 2-Test Series, Achieves Feat During IND vs SL Match At Colombo.
India entered the Colombo Test with a 1-0 lead, having secured a convincing 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle. That match, played from August 15-19, 2026, saw standout performances from Devdutt Padikkal (167 and 44 runs) and Manav Suthar, who picked up a sensational 10-wicket match haul.
Series Concluded
The series concluded with India taking home the honours, marking a successful tour for the visitors. While the second Test ended in a draw, the series win highlighted India's overall strength and depth, despite facing spirited resistance from a determined Sri Lankan side. The draw also ensured that Sri Lanka avoided a complete whitewash on home soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
