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Teams: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Date: 17 June 2025
Start Time: 10:00 AM IST / 6:30 AM BST

Context & Key Stats

• This is Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. Both teams will aim for a strong start at Galle.

• Head‑to‑head in Tests: 26 matches – Sri Lanka won 20, Bangladesh just 1, with 5 draw.

• At Galle, SL have dominated: 26 wins batting first, 12 losses, 6 draws over 48 Tests; Bangladesh have played twice (one loss, one draw).

Pitch & Conditions

• The Galle pitch is classically spin-friendly: slow start, significant deterioration by Day 3, heavily favoring spinners.

• A first-innings total around 360–380 is ideal; teams batting first win ~54% of Tests here.

• Weather alert: Rain is possible across all five days, potentially impacting early spin clarity and match rhythm.

⚔️ Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

• Dhananjaya de Silva (captain/all‑rounder): Scored centuries in both innings of last Test vs Bangladesh, strong WTC track record

• Angelo Mathews: 2nd-highest run-scorer at Galle (2206 runs at 45.02)

• Prabath Jayasuriya / Kasun Rajitha / Asitha Fernando: Likely three-pronged pace attack early, before spinners take control

• Akila Dananjaya / Prabath Jayasuriya: The main spin threat as the match wears on

Bangladesh

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain) and the top order: Tasked with tackling the early spin bounce.

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Vice-captain and spin anchor; potentially their most lethal spinner on turning tracks

• Shadman Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das: Experienced batters who’ll be key in challenging Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

Prediction

Sri Lanka are strong favourites at home. Their dominance at Galle, combined with their deeper spin lineup and recent form (barring their tough series vs Australia), gives them a clear edge.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win, potentially by 2–3 wickets or innings. Bangladesh could push if their batters withstand early spin.

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