Date: June 25-29, 2025
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo
Time: 10:00 AM (IST)
Broadcast: FanCode (App & Website)
The stage is set for an exciting finale as hosts Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh in the second and final Test of the series at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. With the first Test in Galle ending in a high-scoring draw, the SSC Test becomes the series decider, giving both teams a golden opportunity to seal a much-needed series win.
Match Overview
The opening Test in Galle saw batters from both sides flourish on a flat pitch. Bangladesh’s top order, led by Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mushfiqur Rahim, posted commanding centuries, dominating the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Sri Lanka too responded strongly, with notable contributions from the top and middle order. However, bowlers on both sides struggled for impact, managing only a few breakthroughs across the five days.
The Colombo Test is now a make-or-break encounter. A win here would not only boost the morale of the victorious team but also impact ICC Test rankings and team confidence ahead of future tours.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 27
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Sri Lanka Wins: 20
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Bangladesh Wins: 1
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Draws: 6
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First Test Played: September 2001
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Last Test Played: June 17-21, 2025
Sri Lanka has historically dominated this rivalry, but Bangladesh’s growing maturity in red-ball cricket, especially in away conditions, is a sign of their progress.
Pitch and Conditions – SSC Colombo
The pitch at the SSC is generally batter-friendly. Unlike Galle, where spin plays a major role, the Colombo surface offers good bounce and carry for fast bowlers early on, before flattening out into a batting paradise. Spinners might come into play from Day 3 onwards.
Probable scenario: Expect another high-scoring game unless there is significant deterioration in pitch behavior. The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, hoping to post a big score and apply scoreboard pressure.
Team News and Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (Probable XI):
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Pathum Nissanka
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Lahiru Udara
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Dinesh Chandimal
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Oshada Fernando
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Kamindu Mendis
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Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
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Kusal Mendis (wk)
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Milan Priyanath Rathnayake
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Tharindu Ratnayake
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Prabath Jayasuriya
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Asitha Fernando
Captain: Dhananjaya de Silva
Key Players: Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya
The Lankans will be hoping their bowling unit steps up after a lackluster outing in Galle. Eyes will be on Prabath Jayasuriya, their frontline spinner, and Asitha Fernando, to deliver breakthroughs early on.
Bangladesh (Probable XI):
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Shadman Islam
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Anamul Haque
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Mominul Haque
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Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
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Mushfiqur Rahim
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Litton Das (wk)
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Jaker Ali
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Nayeem Hasan
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Taijul Islam
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Hasan Mahmud
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Nahid Rana
Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Key Players: Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam
Bangladesh will take confidence from their batting depth and a solid top five. The spin duo of Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan could be crucial, especially if the pitch starts to break up after Day 3.
Key Players to Watch
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Liton Das: In superb form, the wicketkeeper-batter is leading the charge in the middle order.
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Najmul Hossain Shanto: The captain’s hundred in Galle showed composure and hunger.
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Dhananjaya de Silva: A strong all-rounder who will be vital with both bat and leadership.
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Prabath Jayasuriya: Needs to rediscover his rhythm to trouble Bangladesh’s in-form batters.
Match Prediction
With batting conditions expected to be favorable at SSC, both teams will aim to out-bat the opposition. However, the outcome may hinge on which bowling unit performs better under pressure.
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If Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Taijul and Hasan Mahmud, can find early wickets, they stand a real chance of scripting their first-ever Test series win in Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka, though under pressure, has the home advantage and a stronger track record at SSC.
Prediction: Sri Lanka slight favorites, but Bangladesh is capable of pulling off an upset if they maintain their batting form and bowl with discipline.
Final Word
As both sides gear up for the series finale, fans can expect another hard-fought, high-scoring contest. Whether it’s Sri Lanka redeeming themselves at home or Bangladesh creating history – this Test could be a defining moment for both teams.