By Krishna Dua 
🏏 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2025 – ICC WTC Test Clash Begins
The cricket world turns its focus to a new World Test Championship cycle as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lock horns in the 1st Test of their bilateral series starting June 17, 2025. This match not only promises five days of competitive cricket but also plays a vital role in WTC 2025–27 standings, making it a high-stakes encounter for both sides aiming to start their campaign with points on the board.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Enters With Renewed Confidence
Bangladesh, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, enters this contest determined to erase past Test struggles in Sri Lankan conditions. With experienced campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das supporting the batting unit and the spin trio of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan, the squad has both balance and purpose. The biggest challenge remains application on Day 1 and capitalizing on sessions rather than collapsing under pressure, a theme that has haunted them in away matches. This Test marks a key opportunity for the young side to break away from historical stats and redefine their approach on foreign soil.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Targets Early Dominance in Familiar Conditions
Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, boasts home advantage and comes into the game with match-hardened players like Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and Prabath Jayasuriya. The spin department is set to play a major role as usual, with Jayasuriya expected to take center stage from Day 2 onwards. The Lankans will look to establish control with bat and ball early, especially given the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s top order against disciplined swing and spin. Recent Test victories and a strong WTC 2023 finish have boosted morale, and this opening encounter is Sri Lanka’s best shot at claiming maximum points.
🔥 Head-to-Head Record: Sri Lanka Dominates
In the history of Test cricket, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have met 26 times, with Sri Lanka winning 18, Bangladesh managing just one victory, and seven matches ending in draws. The Lankan team has remained dominant across formats, but Bangladesh has shown sparks of improvement in the longer format. Notably, their only win came in 2017 and still resonates as a rare highlight. However, today’s match is not about history—it’s about momentum, application, and patience over five tough days.
📅 Match Schedule, Streaming & Broadcast Info
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Match Dates: June 17 to 21, 2025
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Start Time: 10:00 AM IST
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Format: 5-day Test – ICC World Test Championship 2025–27
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Broadcast: SonyLIV, FanCode
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Live Score Updates: Available via Google, ICC & official cricket apps
This Test is pivotal for both nations to gain early advantage in WTC standings. Winning the first match sets the tone for the entire series, especially with just two Tests lined up.
🔍 Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Traditionally, pitches here favor spinners starting from Day 2. Batting in the first innings becomes crucial, and teams winning the toss are expected to bat first. The surface is dry with some early assistance to seamers, but as the match progresses, spinners will dominate the wicket-taking. Weather forecasts suggest humid conditions with light rain spells, especially in afternoon sessions. Teams will need to be tactical with declarations and session control to avoid rain spoiling winning opportunities.
🧠 Key Player Battles to Watch
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Mehidy Hasan vs Kusal Mendis – Mehidy’s sharp off-spin against one of Lanka’s best middle-order batters
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Jayasuriya vs Litton Das – Spinning left-arm deliveries targeting Bangladesh’s solid right-hander
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Mushfiqur Rahim vs Dhananjaya’s off-breaks – Veteran vs captain in a technical battle of patience
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Pathum Nissanka vs Ebadot Hossain – New ball challenge vs top-order flair
💡 Fantasy Cricket & Dream11 Picks
Top Picks:
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Wicketkeeper: Litton Das (consistent performer)
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Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Mushfiqur Rahim
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All-Rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mehidy Hasan
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Bowlers: Prabath Jayasuriya, Ebadot Hossain
Captain Choice: Dhananjaya or Mehidy
Budget Picks: Nayeem Hasan, Kamindu Mendis
These picks are aligned with the pitch and weather conditions—expect turners to dominate from Day 2 and all-rounders to bring key value.
🌐 World Test Championship Stakes
This match is more than a bilateral contest. It’s the opening game for both sides in the WTC 2025–27 cycle. With the last cycle seeing close battles, every session matters. Sri Lanka has a shot at climbing early on the points table, and Bangladesh needs at least a draw to gain meaningful momentum before the second Test. A loss here would make a comeback very difficult in a short two-match series.
🗣️ Final Prediction & Viewers’ Take
While Sri Lanka holds the advantage on paper due to home conditions, Bangladesh’s recent Test form shows maturity. If their batters can build a first-innings lead and Mehidy exploits the turn, this match could be much closer than stats suggest. Sri Lanka’s biggest edge is their experience and the confidence of having world-class spinners to finish the job in the final innings.
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