Galle, June 16, 2025 – The much-anticipated Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is all set to begin on June 17 at the iconic Galle International Stadium.
This opening Test marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign for both nations, heightening the importance of the two-match series.
Sri Lanka, the hosts, enter the series with renewed ambitions and a transitional squad comprising both seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. This Test carries emotional weight as it marks the farewell appearance of veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who is set to retire from Test cricket. Fittingly, his final outing will be held at the same venue where his remarkable career began.
Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka will be eager to turn the tide after a disappointing start to their 2025 red-ball calendar, which saw them lose both of their previous Tests. The squad features a fresh 18-member lineup, highlighting a focus on future planning. Key players for Sri Lanka include Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, and the spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Akila Dananjaya. Spin will be central to the strategy, especially in Galle’s favorable conditions.
On the other side, Bangladesh arrives with quiet confidence. Although their Test history against Sri Lanka is heavily lopsided—only one win from 26 encounters—the Tigers have shown steady improvement in recent years. Under Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership, Bangladesh aims to build on its 2025 record of one win and one loss.
For Bangladesh, senior players such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque will be vital in countering Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s dual role with bat and ball, alongside the spin trio of Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and himself, will be crucial in matching or outshining the hosts’ spinners.
The Galle pitch is expected to offer significant turn, putting the spotlight on spin from both sides. With warm and humid weather, and a chance of rain interruptions, conditions could add another layer of complexity to what promises to be a gripping contest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.