Cricket Match Prediction | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | 1st Test | June 17 – SL Favored to Dominate as Spin Takes Centre Stage in Galle Test Opener.

SL vs BAN Match Analysis

The inaugural Test of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka commences on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, with a prestigious contest at the iconic Galle International Stadium. Scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time (04:30 GMT) and spanning five days (17–21 June), this clash marks the formal launch of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship series.

Sri Lanka endured a challenging Test series at Galle in February 2025, suffering a heavy 2–0 home defeat to Australia, marked by an innings defeat in the first Test and a comprehensive nine-wicket loss in the second. Despite the setbacks, their recent domestic selections, including fresh spin talent and seasoned all-rounders, aim to revamp their Test side ahead of this series.

Bangladesh has entered this series off the back of a modest Test outing—they managed a split result against Zimbabwe in April, but their top order’s inconsistency continues to rear its head. Their win tally in Tests has been sparse this season, with just two international victories since the start of the year.

SL vs BAN Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled an 18-member roster for the first Test against Bangladesh, commencing on 17 June 2025 in Galle. Uncapped players feature prominently, signaling a pivotal transition in leadership and talent development under captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Six newcomers—Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Lahiru Udara, Sonal Dinusha, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara—have earned their maiden Test call-ups following impressive domestic performances, as SL seeks to rebuild following recent home disappointment.

The tour marks the emotional swansong of veteran Angelo Mathews at the Galle venue where he debuted. Meanwhile, spinner Akila Dananjaya returns after a six-year hiatus, reflecting a blend of respect for legacy and readiness for renewal.

Sri Lanka Squads 

Sri Lanka

Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundera, Akila Dananjaya 

Bangladesh 

Bangladesh has named a 16-member squad for the first Test in Galle, led by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The side features senior pros including Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, and the experienced wicketkeeper-batsmen Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Jaker Ali, and Mahidul Islam Ankon, signalling a blend of youth and stability across the batting order.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz offers critical spin and batting depth. The pace department has been reinforced with the return of fast-bowling powerhouses Ebadot Hossain, making a comeback after 18 months, and new inclusions like Nahid Rana and Hasan Murad, alongside Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, providing variety with left-arm and off-spin options.

This squad reflects BAN’s ambition to launch their 2025–27 World Test Championship campaign with authority, combining seasoned batsmen and wicketkeepers with a diverse bowling attack. The inclusion of returning pacemakers adds pace potency, while the all-rounders and specialist spinners offer flexibility in subcontinent conditions, setting a well-rounded platform for the crucial Test opener at Galle.

Bangladesh Squads 

Bangladesh

Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Hasan Murad, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed      

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh outfield report 

Galle International Stadium

At Galle, where spin dominates and the surface tends to slow and deteriorate through the Test, the toss could prove decisive. Captains may prefer to bat first and put up a competitive total before the turning tracks come into play—but with moisture in the air and a damp pitch likely, bowling first might be equally tempting. Expect a gripping moment at the toss, with spin-led captains inclined to gamble on early bowling.

Tuesday is expected to be cloudy with intermittent rain, with temperatures in the low 30s °C (around 87 °F) and high humidity—conditions that could produce a sluggish pitch and high swing potential in the air.

Galle traditionally offers a flat batting surface early in the match, but as the Test unfolds, spin takes charge. The pitch typically supports spinners heavily—last year’s match saw over 90% of wickets fall to spinners. Given the recent moisture and forecasted cloud cover, expect leisurely bounce early on before surfaces dry and grip for turn and variable bounce in later days.

SL vs BAN Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 clashes, SL won 4 of them and BAN won none.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that Sri Lanka has a 55% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.