With the waves crashing near Galle Fort and the Test series trophy glinting in the sunlight, both captains came together for the official photo session.
For cricket fans, the scene is familiar. But for Bangladesh, the meaning behind it is not. This time, they have a point to prove.
Last time in the last year, these two teams met in Test series. Back in 2024, Sri Lanka didn’t just win in Bangladesh — they dominated, taking all three matches in a clean sweep. That series still stings for the hosts.
Bangladesh is now on Sri Lankan soil, looking to move forward as they kick off a fresh multi-format series with the Test matches.
First Test Begins June 17 in Galle
The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium beginning June 17, 2025. The second and final Test will take place in Colombo, starting June 25.
Following the Test series, both teams will play three One Day Internationals on July 2, 5, and 8. They will then meet again for three T20 internationals on July 10, 13, and 16.
But the immediate focus remains on the red ball and the slow pitch of Galle.
Bangladesh Enters With History to Overcome
The last Test series against Sri Lanka still stings for Bangladesh. In Chattogram, they were thoroughly outplayed, falling short by 192 runs. It wasn’t just a defeat—it was part of a series that laid bare weaknesses in both the batting and bowling departments. Losing like that at home made it even harder to take.
The current squad now begins the tour on the back foot. They need to switch to the front foot early and take control in what many expect will be a tough contest in familiar Sri Lankan conditions.
This series also marks the start of a new challenge across all three formats. For Bangladesh, it is not just about winning matches. It is about responding to pressure, changing a narrative, and proving growth after a forgettable home series.
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Experience Gives Sri Lanka the Edge
Sri Lanka heads into the Test with quiet confidence. Under Dhananjaya de Silva, experienced names like Chandimal and Mathews still steady the team.
With Mathews set for his final Test, emotions will run high in Galle. The hosts will be keen to give him a send-off to remember.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, comes in with uncertainty lingering. There’s promise in the squad, but things haven’t quite come together yet.
Sri Lanka looks settled, but the visitors are still searching for the right mix. The pitch may suit spin, but composure and focus will matter more as the series progresses.
The Stadium Is Ready, but the Scoreboard Is Empty
The field has been prepared. The stands will fill. The scoreboard remains blank, at least for now.
This series offers a new beginning for both teams, but especially for Bangladesh. A win in Galle could shift the tone of the tour. A loss could quickly bring back memories from last year’s collapse.
As the first ball approaches, there is anticipation on both sides. For one, it is about defending home soil. For the other, it is about reclaiming lost ground.
The match begins soon. What follows may decide more than just a series score.
