Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Pitch Report & Weather Forecast for the first Test in Galle

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As the new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 gets underway, Bangladesh are set to begin a long tour of Sri Lanka. The two teams will face off in a two-match Test series starting on June 17. Both sides have struggled in Test cricket since the WTC was introduced, and they will be eager to turn things around this time. With a fresh start and valuable points up for grabs, both teams will be looking to make a strong early statement in the new championship cycle.

Sri Lanka, playing in familiar home conditions, will look to make a strong statement after a disappointing previous WTC cycle. The hosts will depend heavily on the likes of  Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva to anchor the batting, while the spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Kamindu Mendis could play a decisive role on the turning track.

Meanwhile, the visitors will aim to shake off their poor overseas record in Tests. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will be crucial to their chances. If their spinners can adjust quickly to Sri Lankan conditions, Bangladesh could pose a real challenge. A competitive series opener is expected.

The pitch at Galle International Stadium is traditionally known to favour spin bowlers, especially as the match progresses. The surface usually starts off dry and firm, offering decent bounce and carry for batters in the first two days. However, as the game moves into the later stages, the pitch tends to break up, bringing spinners into play with sharp turn and variable bounce. Batting becomes more challenging in the fourth innings. Fast bowlers may find some assistance early on with the new ball, but their impact generally fades as the pitch wears down. Teams winning the toss often choose to bat first, aiming to post a strong total before the surface deteriorates and becomes difficult for chasing.

Also READ: Sri Lanka announces squad for Bangladesh Tests; Angelo Mathews set for farewell series

As the monsoon in Sri Lanka is in full-swing, the threat of rain looms over heavily on the opening clash at the Galle International Stadium.

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