India are gearing up for a stern challenge as they face Sri Lanka in the 1st Test of their two-match series at the iconic Galle International Stadium from Friday, August 15.
The series forms part of the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams, with the final scheduled to be played in 2027.
India arrive under pressure after back-to-back home series sweps against New Zealand and South Africa, and will look to revive their red-ball fortunes on the island. Shubman Gill's side are also without the injured Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the opener.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will look to make the most of home conditions as they aim to climb the WTC standings, having endured a decline of their own in recent times.
In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at the records of the iconic Galle Stadium in the longest format.
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How many Test matches has Galle International Stadium hosted?
The Galle International Stadium has hosted a total of 49 Test matches so far. 26 of these matches have been won by the team batting first, while 16 have been won by the team batting second.
| Result | Count |
|---|---|
| Batting First | 26 |
| Batting Second | 16 |
| Draw | 7 |
How many spectators can Galle International Stadium hold?
Galle International Stadium has a seating capacity of about 35,000 spectators.
Galle International Stadium: Pitch Report
Galle International Stadium is known for its spin-friendly conditions. Over the years, the pitch has favoured spinners more as the game progresses, making it challenging for teams batting last.
The initial few days may offer less spin, but as the game progresses and cracks begin to appear, the spinners will be the ones to dominate the game. This trend has been evident across recent matches, including Australia's win here earlier in 2025 and the draw against Bangladesh in the following series.
Galle International Stadium: Average scores and toss results in Tests
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Average first innings score | 366 |
| Matches won after batting first | 26 |
| Matches won by chasing team | 16 |
What happened in the previous Test match at Galle International Stadium?
In the last Test at Galle, Bangladesh managed to draw the 1st match during their 2025 tour of Sri Lanka. The visitors put up a mighty 495 in the first innings before managing to dismiss the hosts for 485.
They scored 285 in the second innings before declaring and setting the hosts a target of 295. Sri Lanka managed to hold on despite losing four early wickets. Nayeem Hasan and Tharindu Ratnayake both took six wickets over the two innings to take the game to an exciting draw.
What is the highest team total at Galle International Stadium?
The highest Test total at the Galle International Stadium was posted by Sri Lanka in 2023. Ireland scored 492 runs in their first innings and thought it was enough, but Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 704/3 declared put all their efforts in vain. Ireland could only manage 202, losing by an innings and 10 runs.
Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis bagged double-hundreds each, while Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews brought up their respective centuries.
What is the lowest team total at Galle International Stadium?
The lowest total at this venue was registered by South Africa in 2018. Chasing 352 for victory, the Proteas were bowled out for a mere 73 runs, as Sri Lanka claimed a convincing 278-run win.
Which batter has scored the most runs at Galle International Stadium?
Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for most runs at this venue. He amassed 2,382 runs at an impressive average of 70.05, including seven centuries and 12 fifties. His highest score at Galle is 237, which he achieved against South Africa in 2004.
Which bowler has taken the most wickets at Galle International Stadium?
The top wicket-taker at Galle International Stadium is Muttiah Muralitharan. The legendary off-spinner claimed 111 wickets at an average of 18.50, including several match-winning performances. His dominance at this venue is unparalleled in Test cricket.
He is followed by Rangana Herath, who came close to breaking his former teammate's record with 102 wickets. Present spin wizard Prabath Jayasuriya is the next in line with 81 wickets.
What is the highest individual score at Galle International Stadium?
Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score at Galle. The West Indian opener scored 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010, a monumental innings that included 34 boundaries and nine sixes.
What are the best bowling figures in an innings at Galle International Stadium?
The best bowling figures in an innings at this ground belong to Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 7/46 against England in 2003. His outstanding performance helped Sri Lanka secure a commanding position in the match.
What are the best bowling figures in a match at Galle International Stadium?
Muralitharan also holds the record for the best match figures at Galle. He took 13/171 against South Africa in 2000, leading Sri Lanka to a victory by an innings and 15 runs.
Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test: Betting odds
According to Dafabet, the 1st Test match between Sri Lanka and India is likely to end up in a win for the Men in Blue.
| Team | Odds |
| India | 1.16 |
| Sri Lanka | 5.30 |