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As the new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 gets underway, Bangladesh are set to begin a long tour of Sri Lanka. The two teams will face off in a two-match Test series starting on June 17. Both sides have struggled in Test cricket since the WTC was introduced, and they will be eager to turn things around this time. With a fresh start and valuable points up for grabs, both teams will be looking to make a strong early statement in the new championship cycle.
A fresh start for both teams
Sri Lanka, playing in familiar home conditions, will look to make a strong statement after a disappointing previous WTC cycle. The hosts will depend heavily on the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva to anchor the batting, while the spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Kamindu Mendis could play a decisive role on the turning track.
Meanwhile, the visitors will aim to shake off their poor overseas record in Tests. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will be crucial to their chances. If their spinners can adjust quickly to Sri Lankan conditions, Bangladesh could pose a real challenge. A competitive series opener is expected.
Galle International Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Galle International Stadium is traditionally known to favour spin bowlers, especially as the match progresses. The surface usually starts off dry and firm, offering decent bounce and carry for batters in the first two days. However, as the game moves into the later stages, the pitch tends to break up, bringing spinners into play with sharp turn and variable bounce. Batting becomes more challenging in the fourth innings. Fast bowlers may find some assistance early on with the new ball, but their impact generally fades as the pitch wears down. Teams winning the toss often choose to bat first, aiming to post a strong total before the surface deteriorates and becomes difficult for chasing.
Also READ: Sri Lanka announces squad for Bangladesh Tests; Angelo Mathews set for farewell series
Weather forecast: Day-by-day forecast for the SL vs BAN 1st Test
As the monsoon in Sri Lanka is in full-swing, the threat of rain looms over heavily on the opening clash at the Galle International Stadium.
- Day 1 (Tuesday, June 17): The Test begins under cloudy skies, with light rain expected at intervals. Temperatures will peak at 32°C, with high humidity adding to player fatigue. With an 80% chance of rain, short interruptions are possible.
- Day 2 (Wednesday, June 18): Conditions remain overcast and humid, with a couple of showers likely in the morning. The temperature will reach 31°C, and there’s a 59% chance of rain—though significant delays are unlikely.
- Day 3 (Thursday, June 19): Persistent cloud cover continues with increased humidity and occasional light rain. Temperatures drop slightly to 30°C, and with an 85% chance of rain, disruptions may be more frequent.
- Day 4 (Friday, June 20): A similar pattern persists, with afternoon showers expected and continued cloud cover. Rain probability remains high at 85%, and overcast skies could assist bowlers.
- Day 5 (Saturday, June 21): The final day may offer better playing conditions, though still under mostly cloudy skies. With a 62% chance of light rain later in the day, the first session is expected to be the driest. A full day’s play remains possible if rain stays away.
Also READ: Bangladesh announce Test squad for Sri Lanka tour, retain Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain
