India Sri Lanka cricket match scorecard: India made a commanding start to the first Test of the 2026 series against Sri Lanka, reaching 288/2 in 73 overs at stumps on Day 1 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15. The match is particularly important in Indian cricket history because it marks India’s 600th Test match.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, giving his top order the opportunity to make the most of what proved to be a good batting surface during the opening day. The decision quickly paid off as India’s batters controlled large parts of the day.
The biggest highlight of the day was Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten maiden Test century. The left-hander produced a confident innings of 131 from 178 balls and became the central figure in India’s strong position. KL Rahul also played an important role before retiring hurt on 77 because of cramps.
India Sri Lanka Cricket Match Scorecard: Day 1 at a Glance
The latest scorecard at the close of play was:
India 1st innings: 288/2 in 73 overs
| India batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Run out | 32 | 37 |
| KL Rahul | Retired hurt | 77 | 162 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Not out | 131 | 178 |
| Shubman Gill | Out | — | — |
| Rishabh Pant | Not out | 27 | 36 |
Sri Lanka bowling
| Sri Lanka bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
| Keshara Nuwantha | 21 | 98 | 0 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 4 | 15 | 0 |
Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed only two wickets during the day, while India’s batting lineup maintained control for most of the 73 overs. The official Day 1 reports also confirm India’s score of 288/2 at stumps, with Padikkal on 131 not out and Pant unbeaten on 27.
Devdutt Padikkal Turns the Day in India’s Favour
The biggest story from the India Sri Lanka cricket match scorecard is undoubtedly Devdutt Padikkal’s 131 not out.
Padikkal came into the match with an opportunity to strengthen his position in India’s Test middle order. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable, the No. 3 position had become an important talking point around the Indian team. Padikkal responded in the best possible way by producing a composed century on his Test return.
His 178-ball innings contained nine fours and one six. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, Padikkal built his innings through controlled stroke play and a patient approach against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Reaching his first Test hundred on India’s Independence Day made the moment even more memorable. By the time play ended, he had moved to 131 and remained unbeaten, putting India in an excellent position to push towards a huge first-innings total on Day 2.
His performance was also significant because he had not played a Test match for more than 600 days. His comeback could therefore hardly have been more impressive.
KL Rahul’s Valuable 77 Before Retiring Hurt
KL Rahul was another major contributor to India’s strong first day.
Rahul scored 77 runs from 162 balls, combining patience with carefully selected attacking shots. He played a key role in India’s substantial partnership with Padikkal and helped India move through the first two sessions without losing control.
However, Rahul’s innings ended in an unusual way. He had to retire hurt after experiencing severe cramps. Reports said he received attention from the team physio before leaving the field.
His 77 remains an important part of the Day 1 scorecard because India were able to build their platform largely through the partnership between Rahul and Padikkal.
The Indian team will now hope Rahul is fit enough to return to the crease later in the innings if required.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Gives India an Aggressive Start
Yashasvi Jaiswal started the innings positively and scored 32 runs from 37 balls.
Jaiswal’s approach was noticeably more attacking than Rahul’s. He looked to put pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers early, but his innings came to an abrupt end through a run-out.
Although he could not convert the start into a large score, his quick 32 helped India establish momentum during the opening phase of the innings.
The early dismissal did not hurt India for long because Rahul and Padikkal soon took responsibility and rebuilt the innings.
Shubman Gill’s Decision to Bat First Pays Off
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first in what is a historic Test for the country.
The decision was understandable given the importance of putting runs on the board in Galle. India were able to take advantage of the early batting conditions, and the scoreboard pressure eventually moved onto Sri Lanka.
Gill himself did not make a significant contribution with the bat on the opening day, but his decision at the toss was rewarded by a dominant performance from the top and middle order.
The match also carries extra importance for Gill because he is leading India in their 600th Test match, a major landmark in the country’s long Test history.
Rishabh Pant Remains Unbeaten at Stumps
Rishabh Pant joined Padikkal later in the innings and finished the day 27 not out from 36 balls.
Pant’s arrival gave India another attacking option at the crease. His unbeaten score means India will resume Day 2 with two established batters at the crease.
With Padikkal already past 130 and Pant settled on 27, India have a strong opportunity to extend their total rapidly when play resumes.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Struggle to Make an Impact
Sri Lanka had limited success with the ball throughout Day 1.
Keshara Nuwantha bowled 21 overs for 98 runs without taking a wicket, while Dhananjaya de Silva delivered four overs for 15 runs without a breakthrough.
The lack of regular wickets allowed India to keep building partnerships and maintain a healthy scoring rate.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers will now face a difficult challenge on Day 2. Their immediate priority will be to break the Padikkal-Pant partnership before India can move towards 350, 400 or even beyond..
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Key Moments from Day 1
Jaiswal’s Run-Out
Jaiswal’s 32 provided India with an energetic start, but his innings ended through a run-out. Sri Lanka briefly had an opportunity to apply pressure after the dismissal.
Rahul and Padikkal Build a Strong Partnership
The most important partnership of the day came between KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal. Their batting allowed India to recover quickly and establish a strong foundation.
Padikkal Reaches His Maiden Test Century
Padikkal’s century was the defining moment of the opening day. His unbeaten 131 transformed what was already a good Indian start into a commanding position.
Rahul Retires Hurt
Rahul’s departure after scoring 77 was the one concern for India. His fitness will be something to watch closely as the Test continues.
Pant Joins Padikkal
Pant’s unbeaten 27 gave India another positive finish to the day and ensured that Sri Lanka could not claim a late breakthrough.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: Current Match Situation
At the end of Day 1, the match situation is straightforward:
India: 288/2 in 73 overs
Sri Lanka: Yet to bat
India have therefore taken the early advantage in the first Test.
The visitors have lost only two wickets, while Padikkal is unbeaten on 131. Pant is also at the crease, and India still have plenty of batting resources available.
Sri Lanka’s best opportunity will come early on Day 2. If they can dismiss Padikkal and Pant quickly, they may still prevent India from reaching an enormous first-innings score. If the partnership continues, however, India could put themselves in an even stronger position.
Why This Test Is Special for India
This Galle Test is not just another match in India’s international schedule. It is India’s 600th Test, making it an important landmark in the team’s cricketing history. India played their first Test against England at Lord’s in 1932, and the journey has now reached 600 matches.
The timing also makes the occasion special because the Test began on August 15, India’s Independence Day. Padikkal’s maiden Test century on such an important day added another memorable chapter to the occasion.
Beyond the milestone, the series also has significance in the World Test Championship race. India entered the Sri Lanka tour needing important results to improve their position in the WTC standings.
What to Expect on Day 2
India’s first objective will be to build a much larger total.
Padikkal will be looking to convert his unbeaten 131 into a potentially career-defining score, while Pant can increase the scoring rate from the other end. If the pair remain together for another substantial period, India could move well beyond 350.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, desperately need early wickets.
The home side will be particularly keen to remove Padikkal because he has already demonstrated that he is comfortable against their attack. Once his wicket falls, Sri Lanka can look to attack India’s middle order and bring themselves back into the contest.
Weather and conditions could also influence the match as the Test progresses. Galle can become increasingly helpful to spin bowling as a Test wears on, so India’s eventual first-innings total could prove extremely important.
India Sri Lanka Cricket Match Scorecard: What We Know So Far
The India Sri Lanka cricket match scorecard currently covers only the opening day’s play because this is a live Test match.
India finished Day 1 at 288/2 after 73 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 27. KL Rahul contributed 77 before retiring hurt, while Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 32 before being run out.
The complete four-innings scorecard and final match result are therefore not available yet. The figures above represent the confirmed score at stumps on August 15, 2026.
For now, India are firmly in control. Padikkal’s maiden Test century has provided the headline, Rahul’s composed 77 supplied the foundation, and Pant’s unbeaten contribution has ensured that India finished the day in a position of considerable strength.
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Final Word
The first day of the India vs Sri Lanka Test in Galle belonged to India, and especially to Devdutt Padikkal. His unbeaten 131 was the standout performance of the day and gave India exactly the kind of start they would have wanted in their historic 600th Test.
Sri Lanka still have plenty of time to fight their way back into the match, but they will need wickets quickly on Day 2. For India, the immediate target will be to turn their strong opening position into a huge first-innings score.
As the Test continues, the India Sri Lanka cricket match scorecard will change rapidly, but after the opening day, the advantage clearly belongs to the visitors.
