As the curtain falls on South Africa’s historic triumph in the 2023–25 World Test Championship, Galle gears up to host the opening act of the next cycle, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh set to clash in the first of a two-Test series starting Tuesday (June 17).
The matchup brings together two sides in transition — both seeking to rebuild after the departure of seasoned players and to prove their red-ball credentials in a format that continues to elude them in terms of respect and consistency. With only two Tests each so far in 2025, neither team has found momentum. Sri Lanka suffered a 0–2 defeat to WTC finalists Australia, while Bangladesh shared honours with Zimbabwe in a 1–1 result.
This Test will carry special emotional weight for Sri Lanka. It marks the red-ball swansong of Angelo Mathews, one of the nation's modern greats. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have scored more Test runs for Sri Lanka than the 37-year-old, who bows out after a career spanning over 15 years.
There is no doubt that Angie, you are one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced. It’s a privilege and a blessing to have played alongside such a talented player. I’ve learned so much from you — as a captain and as a teammate.
Sri Lanka will hope to give Mathews a fitting send-off with a win and possibly a farewell century. The squad reflects a blend of experience and foresight, with an 18-member group named for the opener. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, the in-form Pathum Nissanka, Chandimal, and Mathews will anchor the batting, while Kusal Mendis takes the gloves.
The bowling will likely be spin-heavy, as is tradition at the Galle International Stadium, where turn and bounce often dictate terms. The left-arm spin of Prabath Jayasuriya and the recalled Akila Dananjaya are expected to be central to Sri Lanka’s plans.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, have opted for a more experienced unit. The responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mominul Haque, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz expected to play a dual role. Their spin attack, featuring Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Miraz, could prove decisive if they can outfox their Sri Lankan counterparts.
Rain, however, looms as an unwelcome guest. June in Galle is humid and often wet, with the forecast hinting at possible interruptions across the five days. A draw might be on the cards only if weather proves particularly disruptive — Bangladesh have now gone 21 consecutive Tests without a draw.
Historically, Sri Lanka have dominated this fixture with 20 wins in 26 Tests. Bangladesh have just one victory to their name. Yet, current form offers no guarantees: Bangladesh have won two of their last five, while Sri Lanka are desperate to halt a four-match losing streak.
For now, all eyes are on Mathews — and the script that unfolds in Galle.
Probable XIs: Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kusal Mendis (wk), Tharindu Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud
