Sri Lanka and Bangladesh kick off the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with a two-match series, starting from June 17 onwards at the Galle International Stadium. Neither side has fared well since the global ICC tournament was introduced in 2019, spreading across a two-year cycle. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh finished 7th and 9th in 2019-21, respectively. In 2021-23, Sri Lanka finished 5th, with Bangladesh finishing 9th. In the 2023-25 cycle, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh finished 6th and 7th, respectively. So the new cycle promises to be crucial for these sides, who have struggled in the longest format of late.
In terms of the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have met on 26 occasions. Sri Lanka have won 20 times with 5 matches getting drawn. Bangladesh have beaten the Lankans only once. As per ESPNcricinfo, across 14 matches in Sri Lanka, the hosts have pocketed 11 wins with 2 games getting drawn and Bangladesh winning one.
Sri Lanka have announced six uncapped players in their squad of 18 with a change of guard in place.
Sri Lanka squad
Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
Sri Lanka will be starting the series as the clear favourites despite several uncapped players being named. Sri Lanka at home are quite the formidable force enough to tackle down the Bangladeshi side short on confidence,
Here we look at the Galle pitch report ahead of the first clash of the two-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Galle International Stadium’s Location & Key Details of the Stadium
As mentioned, the iconic Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka will play host to the first clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Galle International Stadium is a scenic beauty, with the Indian Ocean visible on two sides of the ground. As per ESPNcricinfo, a famous clock tower of the 16th-century Dutch fort towers above the stadium. It was one of the most scenic stadiums until the terrible tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004, devastated it and the entire southern coast of Sri Lanka.
The stadium temporarily sheltered people displaced by the tsunami. Renovation began in 2006 and was completed in 2007.
Galle International Cricket Stadium has a capacity of 35000 people. The ground has favoured spin bowling over the years and this will be the theme for the 1st encounter between the two sides.
What is the Pitch Like at Galle International Stadium?
The Galle International Stadium will aid spinners. Over the years, the pitch has favoured spinners more as the game progresses, making it challenging for teams batting last.
Generally, spinners will gain impetus and find joy as the game progresses and cracks begin to appear.
Meanwhile, despite the surface assisting spin, batters have made a point to make things count with focus and judgement alike.
The team that bats first here will aim for a total of 360-plus to make things count as spin will play a role as the proceedings move on. Gaining a first-innings lead will be crucial and set the tone. Both sides have spin options at their disposal as the batters will have their task cut out.
Key Stats & Records at Galle International Stadium
Sri Lanka hold the highest team total here at this venue, posting 704/3d versus Ireland in 2023. On the other hand, South Africa have posted the lowest team total here. SA managed 73/10 versus Sri Lanka in July 2018.
Zimbabwe (79), England (81) and New Zealand (88) are the three other teams with a score of below 100 here at this venue.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first at Galle is 3.29 from 48 games. Sri Lanka have won 26 games here batting first in addition to losing 12 and drawing six.
Meanwhile, the average run rate for teams batting 2nd here is 3.02.
Among active cricketers, Angelo Mathews owns 2206 runs here at 45.02 with the help of 2 tons and 17 fifties. Overall, he is the 2nd-highest scorer behind Mahela Jayawardene (2382 runs).
Former Sri Lankan spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (111) and Rangana Herath (102) are the only bowlers with 100-plus wickets here. Among active players, Prabath Jayasuriya has the most wickets (80 at 23.88). He is followed by Ramesh Mendis, who owns 64 scalps at 26.43.
Spin bowlers have enjoyed more success here with the top 15 bowlers all being spinners in terms of wickets.
SL vs BAN: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
As per the weather update, the forecast for the SL vs BAN game has an 80% chance of rain during. The maximum temperature is predicted to be 31°C while the minimum temperature would be 28°C.
SL vs BAN: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Sri Lanka will start the contest with an edge over Bangladesh. However, both sides have the potential to hurt each other with able spinners in the mix. Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for Bangladesh hold the key here.
Sri Lanka have lost their last two games here at this venue with Australia beating them by 9 wickets and an innings and 242 runs both earlier this year. Bangladesh have played here twice, losing once in 2017 and drawing another in 2013.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Galle International Stadium
What is the pitch report for Galle International Stadium for today’s match?
Pitch is expected to assist spinners as the game progresses. Average first innings score here is 372. Average score here in 2nd innings is 329. It drops to 239 and 157 in the final two innings.
Who has the better record at Galle International Stadium?
Sri Lanka have claimed 26 wins here at this venue. Bangladesh have one draw and one loss from 2 games.