Galle, Sri Lanka | June 17, 2025 — Under the scorching sun and the roar of the crowd at Galle International Stadium, cricket’s purest format roared back to life as Bangladesh locked horns with Sri Lanka in the first Test of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship.
With historic pride, world rankings, and fresh WTC points at stake, this match isn’t just cricket—it’s a battlefield of skill, legacy, and grit.
🏟️ Match Highlights So Far
- Toss Drama: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to make the most of a dry, spin-friendly surface.
- Pitch Watch: Experts predict this Galle track will turn into a spinner’s paradise by Day 3, setting up a high-stakes clash of patience vs aggression.
⚔️ Power-Packed Playing XIs
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Wk), Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando
🇧🇩 Bangladesh:
Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (Wk), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan
🔥 What Makes This Match Crucial?
- New WTC Cycle Begins: This game kicks off the fourth ICC World Test Championship cycle, giving both sides a chance to start with momentum.
- Bangladesh’s Overseas Mission: With a new captain and young guns in charge, Bangladesh is aiming to shatter its reputation as an inconsistent away side.
- Sri Lanka’s Fortress: The hosts have lost only one home series since 2022, and Galle remains a stronghold they rarely surrender.
📢 Broadcasting & Live Streaming
- India Broadcast: Available on Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 2, and Ten 5
- Live Stream: Watch in HD on Sony Liv App & Website
- Ball-by-Ball Commentary: Follow real-time updates on News18, The Independent, and CricTracker.
💡 Expert Predictions & Betting Buzz
- Odds favor Sri Lanka (1.36) due to their strong home record and spin attack.
- Bangladesh (3.16) enters as the underdog, but analysts say an early first-innings lead could flip the match.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
- Sri Lanka’s Game Changers:
- Angelo Mathews: A warhorse with a century-hunting instinct
- Kusal Mendis: His consistency behind the stumps and with the bat is gold
- Bangladesh’s Trump Cards:
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Veteran presence, tactical brilliance
- Taijul Islam: Spin wizard with the ability to take the game away on Day 4
📈 History Meets Opportunity
With both sides hungry to start strong and ICC points up for grabs, this match isn’t just a game—it’s a message to the rest of the cricketing world.