**India Eye 2-0 Sweep in Sri Lanka Test Series**
The decisive third Test of the India-Sri Lanka series shifts to the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, a venue known for producing high-scoring matches. Batting first has historically paid off at this ground, with teams often posting big totals early on. The toss could prove crucial on Wednesday, as rain looms as a potential threat, with forecasts suggesting interruptions across all five days. Colombo's heat is also expected to sap energy from the bowling attacks.
India Eye 2-0 Sweep in Sri Lanka Test Series" width="1200" height="675" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;" loading="lazy" decoding="async">
India Eye 2-0 Sweep in Sri Lanka Test Series
Spin has recently held the upper hand at this venue, with spinners claiming 45 wickets in the last three Tests compared to 35 for the pacers. India arrive full of confidence after their commanding 165-run win in the series opener, with standout performers Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, and Manav Suthar. They will aim to complete a 2-0 sweep, which would strengthen their push towards the 2027 World Test Championship final.
Minute by minute
* Day 1 updates:
+ India ends the day on 300/5, with half their batters back in the dressing room.
+ Asitha Fernando took three wickets for Sri Lanka, including Gill and Jaiswal.
+ Padikkal was bowled by Keshara Nuwantha for 117, a soft dismissal.
+ Jadeja and Padikkal built a steady partnership, with Jadeja reaching his second Test century in a week.
+ Rishabh Pant was forced off the field after being hit on the forearm.
+ Tea was taken with India on 187/3.
+ Gill and Padikkal put on a 50-partnership, with Gill reaching his half-century before being dismissed for 42.