Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh 2025: Head To Head Record, Probable Playing XI For The First Test

As the sun rises over the historic fort-town of Galle, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh prepare to launch their campaigns for the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. But this series is far more than a pitch-side renewal of Test ambitions—it also serves as a poignant farewell to Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s most steadfast Test cricketers.

From June 17, the Galle International Stadium will witness a rich tapestry of emotions: the pride of a proud athlete concluding a 17-year journey, the ambition of two teams seeking WTC redemption, and the enduring flow of bat meeting ball on spin-worn turf. For Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to restore lost respect after a home whitewash by Australia. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to shed past limitations—especially against a dominant Sri Lankan side.

Angelo Mathews’ Curtain Call

In a career that began at Galle in 2009 and has spanned 119 Tests, Mathews has embodied Sri Lankan Test resilience. He scored 8,167 runs at an average of 44.62, including 16 centuries, and captained 34 Tests.

But injuries and age have begun taking their toll. Mathews himself announced his retirement after selection for this opener, pledging to continue in white-ball cricket if called upon. His final Test at Galle will be more than a match—it will be a farewell. A chance for Sri Lankan fans to applaud a middle-order rock and all-round warrior at the venue of his greatest triumphs.

A Turning Point for Sri Lankan Cricket

Post the 2–0 series loss to Australia, Sri Lanka has made bold changes, dropping five established players and introducing six uncapped talents in their 18-man squad. Dhananjaya de Silva, the captain, now shoulders the responsibility of transforming this new-look side into a WTC contender.

Experienced anchors such as Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya form the team’s spine. The infusion of youth—players like Lahiru Udara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara—adds vibrancy and unpredictability.

This series will test whether Sri Lanka can balance rebuilding around Mathews and de Silva, while remaining competitive at home.

Bangladesh’s Quest for Breakthrough

Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh have struggled in past WTC endeavours, finishing 9th in two consecutive cycles. A tour to Sri Lanka offers them a chance to shake that tag with a strong showing early.

Their squad blends experience and potential: Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bring calm and fight; spinners Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan are suited to Galle’s turn-laden wicket.

For Bangladesh, this series isn’t just about pride—it’s about proving they can win Tests abroad, starting in a venue that has historically offered them little success.

The Battlefield: Galle’s Turning the Pages

The Galle International Stadium is a spinner’s paradise after Day 1. While the first three sessions may still offer rhythm to batters, cracks emerge rapidly, and spin dominates. Teams often target 360+ in the first innings to set up dominance.

Mathews knows these wickets—we’ve seen his off-spin trickle in once the pitch depreciates. Bangladesh must tread carefully and respect spin, avoiding collapses that have marred their past.

Head-to-Head: Long-Term Sri Lankan Supremacy

In 26 Tests between the two nations:

Sri Lanka: 20 wins
Bangladesh: 1 win
Draws: 5

Their only win came in Colombo in 2017, a happy, unexpected upset. Most recently, Sri Lanka swept Bangladesh 2–0 in March 2024.

History favors the hosts, but Bangladesh have grown—lessons learned, stones to throw. A new WTC cycle offers no guarantees mirrored by past patterns.

Probable XIs For Test #1

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka
Oshada Fernando
Angelo Mathews
Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
Kusal Mendis (wk)
Dinesh Chandimal
Kamindu Mendis
Prabath Jayasuriya
Kasun Rajitha
Asitha Fernando
Tharindu Ratnayake

Bangladesh

Shadman Islam
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
Mominul Haque
Mushfiqur Rahim
Litton Das (wk)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc)
Taijul Islam
Nayeem Hasan
Hasan Mahmud
Syed Khaled Ahmed
Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury

Sri Lanka’s XI has beauty in balance—spin depth, batting depth, three seamers for early rhythm. Bangladesh lean heavily on their spinners and two pacers to exploit their strengths abroad.

Key Battles to Watch

Mathews vs Taijul/Nayeem: Can the future legends outwit the veteran in spin interplay?

De Silva and Chandimal vs Miraz: Elite spin duels from both captains could swing the match.

Pacers vs top order: Shadman, Hasan Mahmud vs Nissanka/Oshada—first-innings breakthroughs matter hugely at Galle.

Taylor-made depth: Sri Lanka’s bench (Udara, Sooriyabandara, Rathnayake) could make tactical difference if matches shift to day 4/5.

Emotional Undercurrents

Mathews’ final innings will be electric. Expect tributes—perhaps a guard of honour, special presentations in the sinking sun. He’s eclipsed 7,000 Test runs and will depart bat-first in a place he debuted. A full-circle narrative that enriches the Galle green turf.

Captains and opponents will likely honour him on both sides—emotion guaranteed.

Stakes Beyond the Test

WTC points: Early wins set tone. Sri Lanka can seize home advantage; Bangladesh can earn rare but momentum-propelling points.
Turning point: A victory or competitive showing by Bangladesh could reshape their confidence for the rest of the cycle.
Legacy: Mathews leaves a legacy—young talents follow. His successor? De Silva must assert himself in a spin-capable position and build identity.

What Lies Ahead

Second Test in Colombo (June 25–29): If the pitch turns even more there, Bangladesh’s spin depth will be tested. Sri Lanka may add seamers to counter.
Bangladesh’s better days?: A successful tour would signal they’re no longer minnows—more serious Test contenders.
Sri Lankan rebuild: Post-Mathews/Sekar/Herath generations, this is a chance to establish a new spine around de Silva, Mendis, Jayasuriya, Fernando.

Final Word

The Galle Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is the perfect storm: a WTC reset, a spin-tricky wicket, and a veteran’s swansong all in one. It’s more than sixty sessions of cricket—it’s emotion, challenge, continuity, and renewal being packed into every over.

As Mathews steps onto the field one last time at Galle, expect a global audience to tune in—watching not only his final shot, but the first stroke of new eras for both nations.

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