Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Match Preview – June 25, 2025

Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test
Series: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 (2-Test Series)
Date: June 25 – June 29, 2025
Time (GMT): 05:30 PM
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Format: Test
Live Streaming: SonyLIV, FanCode
Broadcaster in India: Sony Sports Network

Match Preview

The second and final Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is set to take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions. The first Test, played in Galle, ended in a rain-affected draw, with both teams showcasing their batting strength. Bangladesh posted a massive 495 in their first innings, while Sri Lanka responded with 485, setting up a thrilling chase that was ultimately disrupted.

With the backdrop of a high-scoring draw, the second Test offers another exciting encounter. Sri Lanka will be boosted by the absence of rain and the return of spin-friendly conditions at the SSC. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will look to build on the momentum from their first-innings performance in Galle and the return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is expected to bolster their middle-order and spin attack.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka holds a commanding edge in the historical Test rivalry, having won 20 out of 27 matches against Bangladesh. At the Sinhalese Sports Club specifically, Sri Lanka have not lost to Bangladesh in their last three meetings, making them strong favorites for this clash.

Team News and Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will be without the retired Angelo Mathews, who played a key role in their recent home Test series. In his absence, Oshada Fernando is expected to slot in at No. 4, while Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis will be crucial in the middle order. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando and spinner Prabath Jayasuriya are expected to spearhead the bowling attack.

Predicted Playing XI:

1. Pathum Nissanka (c)
2. Lahiru Udara
3. Dinesh Chandimal
4. Oshada Fernando
5. Kusal Mendis (wk)
6. Kamindu Mendis
7. Dhananjaya de Silva
8. Asitha Fernando
9. Prabath Jayasuriya
10. Milan Priyanath Rathnayake
11. Tharindu Ratnayake

Bangladesh

Bangladesh will welcome back Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who returns from injury and is expected to replace Jaker Ali. Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim will lead the batting charge, supported by Shadman Islam and Liton Das in the middle order. The spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will be key in the SSC conditions.

Predicted Playing XI:

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

Key Players to Watch

Batters

• Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): Form is in good shape, having scored 187 in the first Test.
• Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): In scintillating form, with two centuries in the first Test.
• Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Consistent performer with both bat and ball.
• Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh): Experience and class in the middle order.

Bowlers

• Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): Key spin bowler in home conditions.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh): All-rounder with match-winning potential.
• Asitha Fernando (Sri Lanka): Fast bowler who can exploit early movement.
• Taijul Islam (Bangladesh): Spin threat and useful with the ball.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Sinhalese Sports Club is historically a spin-friendly track, with the surface becoming more challenging as the match progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue is 325, while fourth-innings totals tend to be lower at around 182, indicating that chasing in the final session can be tough.

Weather Forecast: The match will likely see overcast conditions, with a 45% chance of rain. This could add spice to the contest, especially in the final stages.

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka are strong favorites in this match, given their home advantage, historical dominance, and strong batting and spin options. However, Bangladesh have proven their batting might in the first Test, and Nazmul Hossain Shanto is in scintillating form. If the Bangladeshi spinners can make early inroads and the batting line-up continues to fire, they could challenge the hosts.

Still, the conditions at the SSC and the home team's familiarity with the surface give Sri Lanka the edge.

Our Prediction:
Sri Lanka to win with a possible draw if rain intervenes.

Match Odds (as of June 2025)

Conclusion

The second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Sri Lanka as the favorites, but Bangladesh capable of pulling off an upset. With spin-friendly conditions and the potential for weather disruptions, this match is set to deliver high drama and exciting cricket.