SL Vs BAN 1st Test Match Prediction [Source: @OfficialSLC, @BCBtigers/x]
Sri Lanka (SL) and Bangladesh (BAN) will be squaring off in the series-opening first Test match at the Galle International Stadium between Tuesday, June 17 and Saturday, June 21. The match will also launch the two-year 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Sri Lanka
The series against Bangladesh will mark Sri Lanka’s return to Test cricket since February, after losing 0-2 to Australia at home. Sri Lanka also lost their two-match series in South Africa late last year. Sri Lanka last tasted success in Tests in September 2024, when they pipped New Zealand by a 2-0 margin with comprehensive wins in Galle.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh thrashed Zimbabwe by an innings and 106 runs a couple of months ago in Chattogram to level their two-match series 1-1. With momentum on their side, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led group will be aiming to start off the 2025-27 WTC on a positive note. Bangladesh also secured a historic 101-run win in Kingston late last year to level a two-match series against West Indies.
The conditions at the Galle International Stadium largely favours the spinners. Even in the last two Tests hosted by the venue earlier this year, spinners Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann effortlessly ran through the Sri Lankans. Batters will be required to apply themselves to the crease to score big impactful runs. As evidenced by the last four Tests played here since 2024, the teams batting first can seize early advantage with the right application.
Players To Watch Out For In SL vs BAN 1st Test
Sri Lanka
Kamindu Mendis
Sri Lankan batting superstar Kamindu Mendis has minted 857 runs in his last 10 Tests at a prolific average of 53.56. Back in 2024 last year, the 26-year-old tallied his 1,049 runs from just 16 innings at an average of nearly 75, plundering five tons and three fifties in the process.
Prabath Jayasuriya
Sri Lankan spin ace Prabath Jayasuriya remains a formidable candidate for the hosts, especially on a turning Galle surface. The cricketer has collected 49 wickets in his last nine Tests alone. Overall, Jayasuriya has plucked 11 five-wicket hauls in just the 37 innings of his career so far.
Dinesh Chandimal
Dinesh Chandimal, an 88-Test veteran, is one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced players in the current line-up. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has scored nearly 800 runs for his team in the last 10 matches at an average of 44.28.
Bangladesh
Shadman Islam
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam has tallied the highest number of runs among all his teammates in Tests off late, with 500 runs in nine matches at an average of 31.25. Shadman even played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s last Test win against Zimbabwe a couple of months ago with a sublime century.
Taijul Islam
Taijul Islam picked up figures of 6-60 before claiming a sensational match-haul of 9-102 against Zimbabwe in Chattogram. The Bangladeshi spinner has also harvested 33 wickets in his last seven matches, and the cricketer can make a huge splash at the Galle International Stadium.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will be aiming to lead his team from the front against Sri Lanka. With a penchant of scoring runs on turning surfaces, Shanto can play a defining innings for Bangladesh in Galle.
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SL Vs BAN 1st Test Match Prediction [Source: @OfficialSLC, @BCBtigers/x]
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