The 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh kicks off the 2025–27 World Test Championship at the historic Galle Stadium from June 17th–21st. It’s a significant moment as we celebrate Angelo Mathews’ farewell Test, with both teams vying for those all-important WTC points. From unforgettable highlights to fantasy tips and exclusive bonuses from Stake.com, we’ve got all the details you need to get in the game.
- Date: June 17-21, 2025
- Time: 04:30 AM UTC
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Introduction
Cricket fans, get ready for an exciting showdown as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh launch their 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign with the opening Test at the beautiful Galle International Stadium. Happening from June 17 to June 21, this match is not just about WTC points; it’s also a poignant occasion as Angelo Mathews prepares to play his final Test.
Match Context & WTC 2025–27 Cycle Significance
This encounter kicks off the new WTC cycle for both nations, making it more than just a bilateral series. Every win or even a draw adds points that matter. Sri Lanka, however, is intent on shaking off its recent Test slump at home and abroad. Bangladesh, for its part, wants to ride its promising form overseas and prove it can upset bigger teams.
Angelo Mathews’ Farewell Test – A Historic Occasion
Angelo Mathews, the legendary all-rounder from Sri Lanka, is preparing to retire from Test cricket following this match. It seems only right that he concludes his red-ball journey at Galle, the very place where he first stepped onto the field in 2009. With a remarkable tally of over 2,200 Test runs at Galle and an extra 720 against Bangladesh, Mathews has solidified his status as a key player in this last stage of his career.
Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka have been utterly dominant against Bangladesh in Tests:
Total Matches Played: 26
Sri Lanka Wins: 20
Bangladesh Wins: 1
Draws: 5
The last time these teams met in a Test was in April 2024, with Sri Lanka securing a dominant victory.
Team Structure & Current Results
Sri Lanka
Test Match in 2025: Lost 2, Won 0
Strengths: middle-order flair, crafty spin; Weaknesses: shaky top order and awkward transition
Bangladesh
In 2025, Bangladesh has won one Test match and lost the other. Their improved bowling and strong middle-order batting looked fantastic. However, they are still plagued with top-order breakdowns and a poor overall record.
SL vs BAN Pitch Report & Conditions
Galle International Stadium's field is perfect for spinners. On Day 1, pacers might bounce a lot, but by Day 3, cracks show and spinners take over. Winning the toss and choosing to bat first is still very important.
Pitch Nature: Spin-friendly
1st Innings Average: 372
4th Innings Average: 157
Highest Successful 4th Innings Chase: by Pakistan in 2022, 344
Weather Report at Galle
Temperature: 28-31°C
Humidity: Approximately 80%
Rain Chances: 80%, especially during afternoons
Effect: There is a slight risk that some showers could delay proceedings for a while, but the chances of a complete washout of the day is marginal.
Squad Insights & Probable XIs
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando
Bangladesh Probable XI:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Key Player Battles
Angelo Mathews vs Taijul Islam
Mushfiqur Rahim vs Prabath Jayasuriya
Kamindu Mendis vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz
These battles could define the tempo of the match. While Mathews' experience may counter Bangladesh's spin, Mushfiqur will be key to Bangladesh’s resistance.
Fantasy Cricket Tips – SL vs BAN 1st Test
Small League Picks
Wicketkeeper: Dinesh Chandimal
Batters: Angelo Mathews, Mushfiqur Rahim
All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bowlers: Prabath Jayasuriya, Taijul Islam
Grand League Picks
Wicketkeeper: Litton Das
Batters: Kusal Mendis, Najmul Hossain Shanto
All-rounders: Kamindu Mendis
Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Hasan Mahmud
Captain/Vice Captain Choices
Small League: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mehidy Hasan
Grand League: Mushfiqur Rahim, Angelo Mathews
Differential Picks
Kamindu Mendis, Hasan Mahmud, Pathum Nissanka
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
- Prediction: Sri Lanka to win
- Confidence Level: 60%
Reasons include Sri Lanka's immaculate record against Bangladesh in Galle, the pitch being tailor-made for heavy spin bowling, and the possibility that Mathews' farewell could inject some centergrade spirit into the proceedings. But do not count out Bangladesh just yet, for they do boast some very important names in Mushfiqur and Taijul, who could prove to be pretty stern opposition indeed.
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Who Will Champion the Match?
The first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh promises to be an exciting showdown filled with spin, determination, and change. While Sri Lanka might be the favorites, we shouldn't overlook Bangladesh's recent improvements. The match could really hinge on a few standout performances.
