Sri Lanka are ready to welcome Bangladesh for the second and final Test of the series, set to commence on June 25 at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. The series is finely poised after the opening Test in Galle ended in a hard-fought draw, leaving both sides hungry for a decisive result.
The upcoming match will mark a new chapter for the hosts, as it will be their first Test without veteran Angelo Mathews, who bid farewell to the longest format following the Galle fixture. The experienced campaigner’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s middle order and leadership group, making team selection for the Colombo Test a closely-watched affair.
Adding to their selection challenges, fast bowler Milan Rathnayake, who made his Test debut in the series opener, has been ruled out of the second Test due to injury. His unavailability opens the door for possible changes in the bowling unit.
One of the key names in focus is Pasindu Sooriyabandara. The 25-year-old batter is in line for a potential debut, with team management considering him as a promising replacement option. Meanwhile, young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage could also be drafted into the playing XI, offering both spin and lower-order stability.
For Bangladesh, the Colombo Test offers an opportunity to notch a rare away series victory. They showed great resolve in Galle and will look to carry that momentum into the second Test. A significant boost for the visitors could come in the form of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to fever but is expected to return for the Colombo clash. His inclusion will strengthen the spin department and add experience to the lower order.
SL vs BAN, Head-to-Head record:
Matches played: 27 | Sri Lanka wins: 20 | Bangladesh wins: 01 | Drawn matches: 6
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SL vs BAN, Probable playing XI of both teams for the second Test:
Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Lahiru Udara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Asitha Fernando
- Tharindu Ratnayake
Bangladesh:
- Shadman Islam
- Anamul Haque
- Mominul Haque
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Litton Kumer Das (wk)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc)
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
Also READ: Mehidy Hasan Miraz to lead as Litton Das returns in Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
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