Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Set for 1st Test Clash at Galle International Stadium
Match Overview
Bangladesh is set to face Sri Lanka in the opening Test of their two-match series. This encounter will take place at Galle International Stadium from June 17 to June 21, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM IST.
Sri Lanka's Team Dynamics
Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home against Australia, Sri Lanka embarks on a new World Test Championship cycle with a squad featuring six players yet to make their Test debuts. This series marks the final appearance of Angelo Mathews in Test cricket, coinciding with Dimuth Karunaratne's recent retirement. The batting lineup, once formidable, has struggled throughout 2024, prompting the inclusion of fresh talent like Lahiru Udara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara. In spin-friendly conditions, Prabath Jayasuriya will lead the bowling attack, supported by Akila Dananjaya and Tharindu Rathnayake.
Bangladesh's Challenges
Entering the series with low morale, Bangladesh has secured only two international wins this year. Their top-order batting remains inconsistent, with key players like Shanto and Mushfiqur struggling for form. The absence of reserve openers complicates team selection. Spin will play a crucial role, with Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam leading the bowling, while Ebadot Hossain returns to strengthen the pace attack after a two-year hiatus.
Pitch Conditions at Galle
Galle International Stadium, often referred to as Sri Lanka's cricketing hub, typically favors spin bowlers. The venue has hosted numerous Test matches and is known for its spin-friendly nature. Teams batting first will aim for a score of at least 370 to 380 runs, as fourth-innings batting can be particularly challenging. Historically, the average first-innings score at Galle is 372, with scores generally declining as the match progresses. The highest successful chase here was 344 runs by Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 2022, indicating that teams may still feel confident in chasing targets.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast predicts an 80% chance of rain throughout the five days of the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with temperatures expected to range from 28 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Head-to-Head Record
| SL vs BAN Head-to-Head (in Tests) | |
| Matches Played | 26 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 20 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Drawn | 5 |
Probable Playing XI
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando
- Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Dinesh Chandimal | SL: An experienced batter, Chandimal has over 6000 runs in Tests with an average close to 44, making him a valuable asset on turning tracks.
- Kusal Mendis | SL: With an impressive average of 53.71 against Bangladesh, Mendis is in good form and could be crucial for the team.
Top Batters
- Pathum Nissanka | SL: Approaching 1,000 Test runs, Nissanka's recent First Class performances make him a player to consider.
- Mushfiqur Rahim | BAN: Rahim has a strong record against Sri Lanka, scoring 1346 runs at an average of 53.84, particularly excelling in Sri Lankan conditions.
Top All-Rounders
- Kamindu Mendis | SL: In his brief career, Mendis has scored five centuries and can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz | BAN: With over 2000 runs and 205 wickets in Tests, Mehidy is a key player for Bangladesh.
Top Bowlers
- Prabath Jayasuriya | SL: A left-arm spinner, Jayasuriya has quickly made a name for himself with 116 wickets in just 20 Tests.
- Taijul Islam | BAN: With 228 wickets in 53 Tests, Taijul's experience will be vital, especially in spin-friendly conditions.