SL vs BAN 2025, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Bangladesh, UK and South Africa

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The opening Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Galle International Cricket Stadium marks the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle for both sides, promising a contest rich in new beginnings and farewells. Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, have named an 18-member squad featuring several fresh faces such as Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pawan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara, reflecting a transition phase following the retirements of stalwarts Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews—Mathews set to play his final Test at the very venue where he debuted in 2009. The hosts will look to blend youthful exuberance with the experience of players like Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, and the departing Mathews, aiming to make a strong start on familiar spinning tracks.

Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, arrive with renewed confidence after recent overseas successes, including a historic Test series win in Pakistan and a drawn series in the West Indies. Their squad sees the return of key players like Litton Das, Ebadot Hossain, and the inclusion of promising talents such as Hasan Murad and Nahid Rana, as they seek to improve on their last Test tour to Sri Lanka, which ended in a 0-1 defeat in 2021. The Galle surface, traditionally favouring spin, could play into the hands of both teams’ slow bowlers, setting the stage for a tactical battle.

With Sri Lanka starting as favourites due to home advantage and a settled spin attack, Bangladesh will be eager to challenge that narrative and make an early statement in the new WTC cycle. The match, beginning June 17, is poised to be a compelling encounter as both teams usher in a new era with a blend of youth and experience.

Also READ: Bangladesh announce Test squad for Sri Lanka tour, retain Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratna Akilaya, Dan Milan, Rathyana, Rajana Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Khaled Ahmed

Also READ: Bangladesh announces appointment of a new ODI captain for next 12 months