Get the complete schedule & Live preview for Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka 2025. In-depth analysis of the WTC Tests, squads & Angelo Mathews’ farewell.
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Clash of Asian Rivals: Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka 2025
A new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) kicks off with a mouth-watering contest as Bangladesh embarks on a comprehensive, all-format tour of Sri Lanka, beginning June 17, 2025. This month-long cricketing saga is more than just a series; it is a crucial test of identity for two of Asia’s most passionate cricketing nations. The tour features two pivotal Test matches followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), promising a captivating battle across different formats and conditions.
For Sri Lanka, a team in a visible state of transition, this home series is an opportunity to assert their dominance and blood a new generation of talent under the leadership of Dhananjaya de Silva. For Bangladesh, it represents another chance to shatter their reputation as poor travelers and prove that their recent successes are part of a sustainable rise in world cricket. The tour is further enriched by a poignant narrative: the farewell of Sri Lankan stalwart Angelo Mathews, who will retire from Test cricket after the first match at his home ground in Galle.
This in-depth tour preview will break down the complete schedule, analyze the iconic venues, conduct a deep dive into both squads, highlight the key player matchups to watch, and explore what’s at stake in this exciting clash of the Lions and the Tigers.
The Tour Itinerary: Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka
The tour is structured to test the adaptability of both squads, starting with the traditional format and moving to the high-octane pace of white-ball cricket.
| Match | Dates | Venue |
| 1st Test | June 17 – 21 | Galle International Stadium, Galle |
| 2nd Test | June 25 – 29 | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 1st ODI | July 2 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 2nd ODI | July 5 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 3rd ODI | July 8 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| 1st T20I | July 10 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| 2nd T20I | July 13 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 3rd T20I | July 16 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
The Test Arenas: A Tale of Two Different Pitches
The two-match Test series, which marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle, will be played at two of Sri Lanka’s most historic grounds, each offering a unique challenge.
1st Test: The Galle Fortress – A Trial by Spin : Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka
Galle International Stadium is arguably one of the most picturesque and challenging venues in world cricket. Flanked by the Indian Ocean and a 16th-century Dutch fort, its beauty belies a pitch that is notoriously difficult for visiting batsmen.
- Pitch Analysis: Galle is a spinner’s paradise. The pitch traditionally offers even bounce on Day 1, but begins to deteriorate rapidly. By Day 3, significant cracks appear, offering sharp, unpredictable turn and making it a minefield for the team batting last. The average first-innings score is a formidable 372, dropping to just 157 in the fourth innings.
- Tactical Outlook: The strategy at Galle is straightforward but difficult to execute: win the toss, bat first, post a total in excess of 360, and then unleash your spinners on a crumbling surface. Sri Lanka has historically been the master of this strategy at their southern fortress.
2nd Test: Colombo (SSC) – The Batting Haven: Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka
The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo offers a different proposition. While still favouring spin, it is known as one of the best batting wickets in the country, having produced numerous high-scoring draws.
- Pitch Analysis: The SSC pitch is typically flatter and slower than Galle’s. While spinners find purchase as the match wears on, batsmen who can get through the initial period often find it easy to score big. The bounce is generally true, and the pace is less threatening.
- Tactical Outlook: Batting first remains an advantage, but teams can ill-afford to relax. The key here is building monumental first-innings totals to create pressure. Bowlers need immense patience, and spinners must rely on guile and subtle variations rather than the explosive turn offered by Galle. This venue will be a truer test of batting technique and bowling discipline.
Squad Deep Dive: Lions vs. Tigers
Both teams have announced their Test squads, revealing a blend of experience, youth, and specialist skills tailored for Sri Lankan conditions.
Sri Lanka – A New Era for the Lions
The Sri Lankan squad reflects a significant period of transition, marked by the emotional farewell of a legend and the inclusion of fresh blood.
- Leadership and Experience: Under the captaincy of Dhananjaya de Silva, the hosts will rely on the experience of senior players like Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis.
- The Farewell: The first Test will be an emotional affair as it marks the final international match for Angelo Mathews. The former captain, who made his Test debut at Galle in 2009, boasts a phenomenal record at the venue with 2,206 runs. His departure will leave a significant void in the middle order.
- The Spin Arsenal: The attack will be spearheaded by the phenomenal left-arm orthodox spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. With an astonishing 80 wickets at Galle, he is the modern-day master of the venue. He will be supported by the recalled off-spinner Akila Dananjaya.
- The New Faces: The inclusion of six uncapped players in the squad signals a clear focus on building for the future, but also places immense pressure on the senior core to perform.
Bangladesh – The Tigers’ Ambition: Bangladesh VS Sri Lanka
Bangladesh arrives with a settled squad, confident in their abilities and led by a captain who has overseen a period of impressive results.
- Leadership: Najmul Hossain Shanto continues as captain, having led his team to historic wins in Pakistan and a drawn series in the West Indies. He will be keen to add an away series win in Sri Lanka to his growing list of achievements.
- The Spin Twins: Bangladesh’s hopes of countering Sri Lanka’s spin threat lie with their own world-class duo. Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a genuine all-rounder who was Bangladesh’s top run-scorer and wicket-taker last year, will be the key player. He is ably supported by the relentless accuracy of left-armer Taijul Islam. Their battle against the Sri Lankan batsmen will likely decide the series.
- Batting Core: The experience of veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and the returning Litton Das will be vital in providing stability to the batting lineup against a potent home attack.
- Pace and Promise: The return of pacer Ebadot Hossain from a long injury layoff adds a different dimension to their attack, which also includes the promising Hasan Mahmud.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
This series will be defined by several intriguing head-to-head battles.
- Prabath Jayasuriya vs. Bangladesh’s Batting Lineup: This is the headline matchup. Can the Bangladeshi batsmen, particularly their left-handers, find a way to counter Jayasuriya’s relentless accuracy and subtle variations on his home turf?
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz vs. Angelo Mathews (First Test): A battle of two high-quality all-rounders. Mehidy’s off-spin will be a direct challenge to the right-handed Mathews in his farewell Test.
- Sri Lanka’s New Batsmen vs. Taijul Islam’s Discipline: Taijul’s ability to bowl long, accurate spells will be a severe test of the temperament and technique of Sri Lanka’s six uncapped players, should they get a chance.
- Dhananjaya de Silva vs. Najmul Hossain Shanto: A fascinating captaincy duel between two modern, attacking leaders, each trying to impose their will on the series from the very first session.
The WTC Context: Every Point Counts
With 12 points available for a win, 4 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, this opening series of the 2025-27 World Test Championship is of paramount importance. For two teams that have often finished in the middle of the WTC table, a strong start is essential to build momentum for tougher away tours ahead. Securing maximum points at home will be Sri Lanka’s primary goal, while any points Bangladesh can snatch on the road will be considered a major victory.
This tour promises to be a riveting chapter in the rivalry between these two Asian cricketing nations. From the spin-friendly tracks and the tactical battles to the emotional farewell of a Sri Lankan great, fans are in for a month of enthralling cricket that will set the tone for the long and challenging WTC cycle ahead.
