
SL vs BAN Match Prediction: The first Test match of the two-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starts on June 17, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, and both teams are eager to start strongly.
Sri Lanka, led by captain Dhananjaya de Silva, has a strong record against Bangladesh, winning 20 out of 26 Test matches.
The Bangladesh team aims to upset the hosts and will give their all.
In this article, we share the SL vs BAN pitch report and team lineups, which will play a significant role in deciding the winner.
SL vs BAN Series Context
The SL vs BAN first Test will be played from June 17 to June 21, 2025, marking a significant start to the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Sri Lanka has a new squad with 6 uncapped players, aiming to capitalise on this advantage.
Bangladesh, having recently defeated Zimbabwe, wants to challenge Sri Lanka’s dominance.
Sri Lanka has won 20 out of 26 Test matches against Bangladesh, but the visitors are fully prepared to fight.
Pitch and Weather Report
This match will be played at Galle International Stadium, where the pitch favors spinners, especially from the third to fifth day. The team batting first aims to score 370 to 380 runs, as teams falling behind struggle to recover.
The average first innings score is 372, and batting fourth is challenging due to increased spin.
Rain may affect the match, with an 80% chance on June 17 and temperatures around 31 degrees.
The team winning the toss will likely bat first to post a big total.
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Sri Lanka’s Likely Playing XI
Predicted XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
Bangladesh’s Likely Playing XI
Predicted XI: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Khaled Ahmed.
SL vs BAN Match Prediction
Sri Lanka is favoured to win this match due to their strong record and spin attack, including players like Prabath Jayasuriya. Bangladesh’s spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan, can keep their team in the game.
If they bat well, Sri Lanka’s experience gives them a strong chance.
There is a 65% chance of victory, but Bangladesh’s recent form makes it close. The toss is crucial for Sri Lanka, as batting first offers a slight advantage.