Arjit - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025The second and final match of the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be played at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from June 25. The match is crucial for both teams as it will not only be the series decider but will also have a significant impact on the points table of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27.
Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test
Series: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 (2 Test Series)
Date: June 25 - June 29, 2025
Time IST: 10:00 AM (Toss 9:30 AM)
Stadium: Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo, Sri Lanka
Broadcaster (India): Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming (India): SonyLIV app and website, FanCode app and website.
The first Test of the series ended in a high-scoring draw in Galle, with rain also playing a key role. Bangladesh posted a mammoth total of 495 in the first innings, with skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim hitting brilliant centuries. In response, Sri Lanka also did well and scored 485 to take a marginal lead of just 10 runs. Pathum Nissanka played a brilliant knock of 187 runs in the Sri Lankan innings. Bangladesh batted strongly in their second innings as well, with Shanto hitting his second century to set the team a target of 296 runs. However, play was affected due to rain and Sri Lanka ended up at 72 for 4 and forced a draw.
In the second Test, Sri Lanka will play without veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who retired after the first Test. Oshada Fernando is likely to bat at number four in his place. Sri Lanka have also included left-arm spinner Dunith Welalage and fast bowler Vishwa Fernando in their squad, and they are expected to feature in the final XI.
The good news for Bangladesh is that veteran all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has regained his fitness and is expected to return to the team in place of Jaker Ali. His return will strengthen both Bangladesh's bowling and batting.
The SSC pitch is traditionally considered to be favorable for spin bowlers, and as the match progresses, the difficulties for the batsmen will increase. The average first innings score on this ground is 325 runs, which drops to 182 in the fourth innings. There is a chance of rain in this match as well.
Sri Lanka have the upper hand in the head-to-head record, they have won 20 out of the 27 Tests played against Bangladesh, while Bangladesh has registered only one win. In the SSC, Sri Lanka have won their last three Test matches against Bangladesh.
Some important tips for fantasy league players:
Batters:
Bowlers:
All-rounders:
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices: Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Pathum Nissanka, Prabhath Jayasuriya, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (if playing).
Given the SSC pitch and head-to-head record, Sri Lanka are the favorites in this encounter. However, Bangladesh have showcased their batting prowess in the first Test, especially the form of Nazmul Hossain Shanto is a big plus point for them. If Bangladesh spinners perform well and their batting lineup performs belligerently, they can give Sri Lanka a tough challenge. However, the Sri Lankan team is strong on their home ground, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
Our Prediction: Sri Lanka have a better chance of winning this match. There will also be a chance of the match ending in a draw, especially if rain affects the game again.
