Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo

Colombo, Aug 20: India will look to seal the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka when the teams meet in the second and final Test at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 23.

India head into the match with a 1-0 lead after securing a convincing 165-run victory in the opening Test. However, former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has cautioned the team about its second-innings batting performance and urged the visitors to avoid a similar collapse in the upcoming game.

India dominated the first Test with strong performances in both innings. The visitors posted 462 runs in their first innings before bowling Sri Lanka out for 284. India then scored 193 in their second innings to set the hosts a target of 372 runs. Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 206, handing India a 165-run victory.

Despite the comprehensive win, Karthik pointed out that India's second-innings batting was a concern. He noted that Sri Lanka's pacers managed to claim six wickets and said India should be wary of facing a similar challenge in future Test matches.

Karthik also highlighted India's commanding position after the first innings, when the team had scored 462 and reduced Sri Lanka to 90 for five. At that stage, he felt the match appeared to be heading towards a quick conclusion.

India will now aim to carry the momentum from the opening Test into Colombo. With the series at stake for Sri Lanka, the hosts are expected to come back strongly, while India will be keen to produce another all-round performance and complete a series victory.