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Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will lock horns in the first Test of their two-match series in Galle, a contest that carries significant weight for both sides as they look to start the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a strong note.
The hosts are coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Australia in their last Test series at home. With questions lingering over their batting consistency and bowling depth, Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back. The match holds extra significance as it marks the farewell Test for veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who will retire from the format after this game. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Sri Lanka aim to dominate a Bangladesh side that has historically struggled on Sri Lankan soil.
Bangladesh have never won a Test in Sri Lanka and have often found the going tough in overseas conditions. However, with a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent, they will be determined to rewrite history. Their batting, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, must step up, while their spinners—Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—will look to exploit the conditions.
SL vs BAN 1st Test: Match Details
- Date and Time: June 17-21, 10:00 am IST/ 4:30 am GMT/ 10:00 am Local
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Galle International Stadium Pitch Report:
The Galle International Stadium has long been a haven for spinners, with its dry surface offering increasing assistance as the Test progresses. Early on, batters can expect decent bounce and carry, making the first two days ideal for building a substantial total. However, the pitch tends to deteriorate quickly, developing cracks and rough patches that bring spinners into the game with sharp turn and unpredictable bounce. Given these conditions, captains winning the toss usually opt to bat first, looking to capitalize on the best batting conditions before the surface becomes a spinner’s paradise.
SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis, Litton Das
- Batters: Angelo Mathews, Najmul Shanto, Pathum Nissanka, Mushfiqur Rahim
- All-rounders: Kamindu Mendis, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dhananjaya de Silva
- Bowlers: Prabath Jayasuriya, Taijul Islam
SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain
- Choice 1: Prabath Jayasuriya (c), Prabath Jayasuriya (vc)
- Choice 2: Kamindu Mendis (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (vc)
Also READ: Sri Lanka announces squad for Bangladesh Tests; Angelo Mathews set for farewell series
SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction backups:
Dinesh Chandimal, Oshada Fernando, Mominul Haque,
SL vs BAN Dream11 team for today’s match (June 17, 4:30 am GMT):
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Oshada Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Udara, Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Isitha Wijesundera
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Litton Das, Ebadot Hossain, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Hasan Murad, Nahid Rana
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2025: Head to head record, Probable playing XI for the first Test
