Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test 2025 – Match Preview

Date: June 17, 2025
Time: 05:30 GMT | 10:30 AM IST
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Format: Test Match
Series: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 (Part of the 2025-27 WTC Cycle)
Teams: Sri Lanka (SL) vs Bangladesh (BAN)

Match Overview

The 1st Test of the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will kick off on June 17, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium. This encounter marks the beginning of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and is the first of a multi-format series that includes 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.

Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will be aiming to make a strong start on home soil, while Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh will look to challenge the hosts and prove their mettle in Test cricket.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 26
• Sri Lanka Wins: 20
• Bangladesh Wins: 1
• Draws: 5

Sri Lanka has historically dominated the series, but Bangladesh has shown promise in recent encounters, particularly in Test cricket.

Pitch Report & Playing Conditions

The Galle International Stadium is a spin-friendly venue, with a pitch that tends to assist spinners in the middle and late stages of the game. Batting first is generally considered the better option here, with teams often scoring in the range of 370-380 runs in the first innings.

The pitch, while relatively flat at the start, offers turn and bounce for spinners as the match progresses. The average first innings total at Galle in Test history is 372 runs, and the highest successful run chase at this venue is 344/7 by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 2022.

Weather conditions are expected to be overcast with an 80% chance of rain, adding an element of uncertainty to the match. The temperature will hover between 28°C and 31°C, with humidity likely to be high.

Team News and Squads

Sri Lanka Squad

Captain: Dhananjaya de Silva
Wicket-keeper: Dinesh Chandimal
Key Players: Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando

Probable XI:

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Oshada Fernando
3. Kusal Mendis
4. Angelo Mathews
5. Dinesh Chandimal (wk)
6. Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
7. Kamindu Mendis
8. Prabath Jayasuriya
9. Akila Dananjaya
10. Asitha Fernando
11. Vishwa Fernando

Bangladesh Squad

Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Wicket-keeper: Litton Das
Key Players: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud

Probable XI:

1. Najmul Hossain Shanto
2. Shadman Islam
3. Mominul Haque
4. Mushfiqur Rahim
5. Litton Das (wk)
6. Jaker Ali
7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
8. Taijul Islam
9. Nayeem Hasan
10. Hasan Mahmud
11. Nahid Rana

Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

• Dhananjaya de Silva: The captain and one of the team’s most reliable performers with both bat and ball.
• Pathum Nissanka: Provides stability at the top and can anchor the innings.
• Prabath Jayasuriya & Asitha Fernando: Key spinners with the ability to control the game's momentum.
• Kamindu Mendis: A versatile all-rounder with good batting and spin bowling options.

Bangladesh

• Najmul Hossain Shanto: The leader and top-order anchor for the Tigers.
• Litton Das: A consistent performer with the bat and a reliable wicket-keeper.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz & Taijul Islam: A lethal spin duo with the capability to dominate on the Galle track.
• Hasan Mahmud: Key fast bowler for Bangladesh, capable of picking early wickets.

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka has a strong edge in this Test series, with 70% win probability compared to Bangladesh’s 30%. The home advantage, coupled with a pitch that suits their spinners, gives them the upper hand.

However, Bangladesh has shown improvement in Test cricket and can make a competitive contest out of this match. The key will be how well the Bangladeshi batsmen adapt to the spin and how effectively the Sri Lankan bowlers exploit the turning track.

Best Performer Predictions

Top Run-Scorers

• Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva
• Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Top Wicket-Takers

• Sri Lanka: Prabath Jayasuriya
• Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz

How to Watch & Stream

Live Telecast:

• Sony Sports Network (India)

Live Streaming:

• Sony LIV App (India)
• Fancode App (India & Global)

Conclusion

The 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh promises to be a fascinating contest between a home side with a strong historical record and a team in the making. With the spin-friendly Galle pitch in play, the match will likely be decided by how well the top orders perform and how effective the spinners are.

Sri Lanka is favored, but Bangladesh has the tools to push for a draw or even a win. Stay tuned for all the action from the Galle International Stadium starting June 17, 2025.

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