The third edition of the ICC World Test Championship (2025–27) kicks off just two days after the thrilling finale of the previous cycle, where South Africa defeated Australia in a gripping, low-scoring clash. The new cycle begins in Galle as Sri Lanka host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. Despite Test cricket often being a long-drawn battle of attrition, this encounter promises exciting cricket, given the recent form of both sides.
Historically, Bangladesh have struggled in this fixture, with only a single Test win in 26 meetings against Sri Lanka since their Test debut in 2001. The Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly conditions, will once again set the stage for an intriguing red-ball contest.
Match Details: SL vs BAN
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st Test – ICC WTC 2025–27
- Date & Time: June 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM IST
- Venue: Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
- Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report – Galle International Stadium
Historically, the pitch at Galle has been in favor of spinners, particularly as the game goes on. Batters will get value for their strokes early on, but the surface is expected to deteriorate by Day 3. First-innings runs will be crucial, and any total above 300 could prove decisive.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 274
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 268
- Batting 1st Win %: 57%
- Batting 2nd Win %: 43%
Weather Forecast – Galle
Clear skies and bright sunshine are expected throughout the Test match in Galle. No interruptions due to rain are anticipated, ensuring uninterrupted action across five days.
- Temperature Range: 16°C to 28°C
- Precipitation: 0%
- Humidity: Moderate
Head-to-Head – SL vs BAN
- Total Matches: 26
- Sri Lanka Wins: 20
- Bangladesh Wins: 1
- Draws: 5
Bangladesh will be looking to end their poor run against Sri Lanka in Tests, especially in Sri Lankan conditions where spinners dominate.
Probable Playing 11
Bangladesh (BAN) Playing 11:
1. Litton Das, 2. Anamul Haque, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), 5. Mushfiqur Rahim, 6. Jaker Ali (WK), 7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8. Nayeem Hasan, 9. Taijul Islam, 10. Ebadot Hossain, 11. Hasan Mahmud
Also Read: India Host Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Full Schedule & Venues
Sri Lanka (SL) Playing 11:
1. Oshada Fernando, 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Pavan Rathnayake, 4. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, 5. Kusal Mendis (WK), 6. Akila Dananjaya, 7. Dhananjaya de Silva (C), 8. Angelo Mathews, 9. Kasun Rajitha, 10. Milan Rathnayake, 11. Prabath Jayasuriya
Top Fantasy Picks for SL vs BAN Dream11 and My11Circle
Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nissanka: In great form with 334 runs in his last 3 matches.
- Prabath Jayasuriya: Lethal on spin-friendly tracks; 9 wickets in last 2 Tests.
Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto: The team's main hitter, who recently scored 522 runs.
- Taijul Islam: Key spinner with 12 wickets in last 7 matches.
Dream11 Fantasy Team Suggestions: SL vs BAN
Dream11 Team Prediction:
- Wicketkeeper: 1. Kusal Mendis (C)
- Batters: 1. Dinesh Chandimal, 2. Litton Das, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Najmul Hossain Shanto (VC), 5. Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders: 1. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, 2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Bowlers: 1. Taijul Islam, 2. Kasun Rajitha, 3. Prabath Jayasuriya
Captain Picks:
- Kusal Mendis
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Vice-Captain Picks:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Pathum Nissanka
My11Circle Fantasy Team Suggestions: SL vs BAN
My11Circle Team Prediction:
- Wicketkeeper: 1. Kusal Mendis
- Batters: 1. Najmul Hossain Shanto (VC), 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Dinesh Chandimal, 4. Litton Das
- All-rounders: 1. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), 2. Angelo Mathews
- Bowlers: 1. Prabath Jayasuriya, 2. Taijul Islam, 3. Hasan Mahmud, 4. Kasun Rajitha
Conclusion
This opening Test match in Galle is more than just a bilateral clash—it’s the launchpad for the new World Test Championship cycle. Sri Lanka will bank on home advantage, while Bangladesh will be eager to prove they are no longer underdogs in the longest format. Spinners are expected to play a decisive role, and fantasy players should construct their teams accordingly.
Also Read: SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, 1st Match
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