Published on: Jun 16, 2025 5:01 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 16, 2025 5:01 pm IST
One of Sri Lanka’s greatest all-rounders, Angelo Mathews, has decided to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game after the conclusion of the two-match Test series. The first game of the two-match series is all set to be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle from 17th June.
Both Sri Lanka nor Bangladesh haven’t had a great year so far in Test cricket. Sri Lanka is heading into this series on the back of two Test series defeats against South Africa (away) and Australia (home). In both these series, Sri Lanka remained winless.
On the other hand, Bangladesh are heading into this series on the back of two drawn series. They drew 1-1 against the West Indies at home and then drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe away from home. Both teams are looking to get into winning ways, which makes this series an exciting and captivating one. Let’s delve deeper into this post for the SL vs BAN Dream11 prediction.
Also Read: SL vs BAN Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka, 1st Test, June 17
Date: 17th June 2025 Time: 10:00 AM IST Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Matches Played: 26 SL won: 20 BAN won: 01 Draw: 05 Tied: 0
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced off 26 times in Test cricket, and the numbers paint a clear picture of dominance. Sri Lanka have come out on top in 20 of those encounters. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have managed just one win across all meetings, with the remaining five matches ending in draws.
The pitch at Galle International Stadium for the 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is expected to be a classic subcontinental surface; slow, dry, and tailor-made for spinners. Early in the match, seamers might find some assistance with the new ball due to underlying moisture, but as the game progresses, the pitch will deteriorate and offer increasing turn and variable bounce. Historically, Galle has been a fortress for Sri Lankan spinners, with the venue witnessing over 370 wickets taken by spinners since 2020 alone. The average first-innings score hovers around 370–375, but chasing anything above 200 in the fourth innings becomes a daunting task. With the surface breaking up by Day 3, batting last is a serious challenge, making the toss extremely crucial—teams winning it almost always choose to bat first. Expect a gripping battle of attrition, where patience, spin mastery, and first-innings dominance could dictate the outcome.
Here are some key Test match stats from Galle International Stadium:
SL vs BAN Team News and Expected Playing XI
SL Expected Playing XI: Oshada Fernando/Lahiru Udara, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya/Kasun Rajitha.
BAN Expected Playing XI: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain/Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Shakib
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the hosts, Sri Lanka, are tipped as the favorites to win this match.
The all-important clash between Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh will take place on Tuesday, June 17, at 10:00 AM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the Sony Liv app. The TV streaming will take place on Sony Ten 1, 2 & 5.
Wicket-keepers: Dinesh Chandimal Batters: Angelo Mathews, Mominul Haque, Pathum Nissanka, Shadman Islam All-Rounders: Kamindu Mendis, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dhananjaya de Silva Bowlers: Prabath Jayasuriya, Taijul Islam, T Ratnayake
C/VC Options- Angelo Mathews, Prabath Jayasuriya, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Kamindu Mendis