The 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is set to kick off with a subcontinental face-off as Sri Lanka host Bangladesh in the 1st Test at Galle International Stadium on Tuesday, June 17. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start to their red-ball journey in this new cycle, especially with valuable WTC points up for grabs from the outset.
Match Details
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Fixture: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test, Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025
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Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM (IST)
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Venue: Galle International Stadium
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Broadcast/Streaming: FanCode (App & Website)
Team Overviews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka begins this new era under the captaincy of Dhananjaya de Silva, who takes over the leadership duties with several uncapped players in the squad. While the team is in a transitional phase, they are backed by seasoned campaigners such as Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and Dinesh Chandimal. Their strength lies in home advantage, particularly in spin-friendly Galle, where they have traditionally dominated visiting teams.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit, especially the spin attack led by Prabath Jayasuriya, will look to exploit the conditions. The pace attack, with the likes of Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando, will aim to support the spinners by creating pressure with the new ball.
Bangladesh
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh arrive in Sri Lanka with a mix of experience and young talent. Despite their poor Test record against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will take heart from improved performances in recent series and aim to deliver a more competitive showing. Veterans such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Litton Das bring stability, while the bowling attack is led by spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
The key for Bangladesh will be adapting quickly to the spin-friendly track and finding ways to counter the Sri Lankan attack. With promising talents like Nahid Rana and Jaker Ali in the squad, Bangladesh will also be hoping to unearth new match-winners.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka
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Pathum Nissanka
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Pavan Rathnayake
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Angelo Mathews
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Kamindu Mendis
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Dhananjaya de Silva (C)
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Dinesh Chandimal (WK)
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Kusal Mendis
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Prabath Jayasuriya
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Kasun Rajitha
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Asitha Fernando
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Akila Dananjaya
Bangladesh
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Shadman Islam
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Litton Das
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Mominul Haque
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Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
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Mushfiqur Rahim
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Jaker Ali (WK)
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz
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Taijul Islam
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Nayeem Hasan
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Nahid Rana
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Khaled Ahmed
Head-to-Head in Tests
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Matches Played: 26
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Sri Lanka Wins: 20
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Bangladesh Wins: 1
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Drawn: 5
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First Meeting: September 6-8, 2001
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Most Recent Meeting: March 30 – April 3, 2024
Sri Lanka has overwhelmingly dominated the Test rivalry, winning 20 of the 26 encounters.
Pitch Report
The Galle International Stadium is well known for producing spin-friendly wickets that deteriorate significantly as the match progresses. Batting on Day 1 is typically the easiest, making the toss crucial. Teams winning the toss usually choose to bat first to take advantage of the initial conditions and avoid chasing in the fourth innings.
Expect slow turn on Day 2 and 3, with more variable bounce and sharp turn from Day 4 onwards. Spinners will dominate proceedings, but patient batters can still score heavily in the early days.
Key Players to Watch
Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka) – The new captain will be under pressure to perform with the bat and lead tactically in spinning conditions.
Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – A proven match-winner at home, especially at Galle. His performance could be decisive.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh) – Bangladesh’s best all-rounder in subcontinental conditions. He’ll be vital with both bat and ball.
Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) – The most experienced batter in the squad, tasked with anchoring the innings and guiding the middle order.
Match Prediction
With overwhelming dominance in past meetings and home advantage, Sri Lanka enter the match as clear favorites. Bangladesh will need a solid first-innings total and disciplined bowling to stay in the game. If their batters can survive the early spin threat and avoid collapses, they may challenge the hosts. However, based on form, familiarity, and squad strength:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win
Toss Advantage: Bat first team likely to control the game