Watch live score updates and get complete match insights for the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2025 at Galle from June 17–21. Explore team news, playing XIs, pitch report, and ICC World Test Championship implications in this full match preview.
Cricket fans across the globe are turning their eyes toward the subcontinent as Bangladesh tours Sri Lanka in June 2025 for a thrilling Test series. The 1st Test, scheduled from June 17 to 21, will be hosted at the iconic Galle International Stadium. Known for its historical background and picturesque beauty, Galle promises a classic five-day cricket contest filled with drama, patience, and skill.
Match Details: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2025
- Match: 1st Test – Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025
- Date: June 17 to June 21, 2025
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Time: 9:30 AM Local Time (4:00 AM GMT)
- Match Type: Red-ball (Test Cricket)
- Series: Part of ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–2025
- Live Score: [Updating Live Below… Scroll to “Live Score Updates” Section]
Venue Spotlight: Galle International Stadium
The Galle International Stadium is one of the most iconic and scenic venues in world cricket. Nestled beside the Indian Ocean and flanked by the Galle Fort, it provides a stunning backdrop for the oldest format of the game.
- Capacity: Around 35,000 spectators
- Established: 1876 (Reconstructed post-tsunami in 2004)
- Known For: Spin-friendly conditions, reverse swing assistance later in the game
- Pitch Behavior: Traditionally, the Galle pitch is known to help spinners from Day 3 onward, while pacers can extract early bounce and seam on the fresh surface.
Head-to-Head: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Tests
| Stat Category | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 24 | 24 |
| Wins | 1 | 18 |
| Draws | 5 | 5 |
| Highest Team Score | 638 | 730/6d |
| Leading Run Scorer | Mushfiqur Rahim | Angelo Mathews |
| Leading Wicket-Taker | Shakib Al Hasan | Rangana Herath |
Note: Stats as per records up to 2025 before the current Test match.
Team News & Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh Squad (Probable XI):
- Tamim Iqbal (Captain)
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper)
- Litton Das
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Taijul Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
Team Form & Notes:
Bangladesh comes into this tour with high confidence after a balanced performance against Zimbabwe earlier this year. The return of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and dependable batter Mushfiqur Rahim bolsters their middle order. Spin will be their main weapon at Galle.
Sri Lanka Squad (Probable XI):
- Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Kamindu Mendis
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Kasun Rajitha
- Vishwa Fernando
Team Form & Notes:
Sri Lanka, under the calm leadership of Karunaratne, remains a formidable force at home. With Prabath Jayasuriya leading the spin department and Mendis, Mathews, and Chandimal providing batting depth, Sri Lanka will look to dominate in Galle once again.
Key Players to Watch: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
🔥 Bangladesh
- Shakib Al Hasan: The ace all-rounder has a proven record in Sri Lankan conditions. His dual role will be vital.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: One of Bangladesh’s most experienced Test batters. A calm anchor in the middle.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The spinner is capable of game-changing spells, especially on Galle’s Day 4 and Day 5 pitches.
🔥 Sri Lanka
- Prabath Jayasuriya: Left-arm spinner with a menacing record at Galle. Could be the match-winner.
- Kusal Mendis: A free-flowing batter with the ability to seize momentum in a session.
- Angelo Mathews: The veteran offers stability and can bat long under pressure.
Pre-Match Strategy Analysis
Bangladesh Approach:
- Win toss and bat first.
- Survive the new ball, aim for 300+ in 1st innings.
- Employ spin pressure from Day 2 onward.
- Aggressive field setups for Sri Lankan batters in 2nd innings.
Sri Lanka Approach:
- Early breakthroughs in first session.
- Utilize Jayasuriya and Mendis partnership to exploit cracks.
- Target Bangladesh’s middle order with pace-spin combo.
Pitch & Weather Conditions
- Pitch Report: Day 1 offers a firm batting track. Cracks will widen by Day 3, aiding turn and variable bounce.
- Weather: Rain is expected intermittently on Day 3 and Day 5. Teams must account for potential delays.
- Toss Advantage: Team winning the toss should bat first. Chasing in 4th innings at Galle is historically tough.
Match Predictions: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2025
Expert Prediction:
- Toss Winner: Sri Lanka
- Match Winner Prediction: Sri Lanka (60%) | Bangladesh (30%) | Draw (10%)
- Top Scorer: Kusal Mendis (SL)
- Top Wicket Taker: Prabath Jayasuriya (SL)
- X-Factor: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN)
Live Score Updates (Auto-refreshed)
📢 Day 1 – Live Score
Bangladesh – 85/2 (26 overs)
Tamim Iqbal – 38 (54), Shanto – 22 (67)
Prabath Jayasuriya – 1/28, Vishwa Fernando – 1/20
Last Wicket: Mahmudul Hasan Joy – bowled by Jayasuriya
(Score updates are simulated for content presentation purposes. For real-time, please refer to official broadcasting or cricket platforms.)
Broadcast & Live Streaming Information
- TV Channels:
- Bangladesh: GTV, T Sports
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV, Channel Eye
- India: Sony Sports Network
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- USA: Willow TV
- Online Streaming:
- FanCode (India)
- RabbitholeBD (Bangladesh)
- Sony LIV App
- ESPN+ (US)
Impact on World Test Championship 2023–25
This series plays a vital role in shaping the mid-table standings in the WTC. Bangladesh currently stands 7th while Sri Lanka holds the 5th position.
| Team | Points | Position (Before Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 38 | 5th |
| Bangladesh | 28 | 7th |
Winning this Test will not only enhance team morale but could push the winning side closer to the top 4.
What’s Next?
After this Test match, both teams move to Colombo for the 2nd Test, which will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium from June 25 to 29, 2025.
Conclusion: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2025
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st Test at Galle marks the beginning of a fascinating red-ball battle. With rich history, competitive match-ups, and strategic depth on both sides, this contest promises to deliver drama, determination, and quality cricket.
