India eye a 2-0 series sweep in Colombo
Sri Lanka battle key absences in a must-win Test
Rain threat could cause interruptions throughout the match
India will look to seal a 2-0 series sweep when they take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, starting Sunday, August 23.
Shubman Gill’s side arrive with momentum after a commanding 165-run victory in Galle, where debutant Manav Suthar starred alongside a dominant Indian bowling attack. India now have the chance to register their first overseas Test series win since 2023.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face a must-win situation but will have to overcome major setbacks in their batting department. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka are unavailable, prompting the hosts to call up Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige.
The spotlight will also be on Sri Lanka's spinners, who showed their ability to trouble India in patches at Galle. With the SSC surface expected to offer assistance to spin as the match progresses, another battle between bat and ball could be on the cards. India may also consider tweaking their combination depending on conditions, but the visitors remain favourites to complete a clean sweep.
India Vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: Head-To-Head
Total Matches Played - 47
India Won - 23
Zimbabwe Won - 7
India Vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: Colombo Weather Forecast
Rain could once again become an important factor during the five-day Test. Colombo is forecast to remain largely cloudy throughout the match, with showers or periods of rain expected on each of the scheduled days.
The threat appears particularly significant towards the latter stages, although the forecast does not currently suggest a complete washout. Interruptions, delayed starts and lost overs could, however, influence the contest and make every available session crucial. Temperatures are expected to hover around 30-31°C, with high humidity adding another challenge for both teams.
