Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Preview & Prediction | First Test

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Expect spinning conditions over the course of this first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Date/time:

Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka

Weather: Bright and sunny with temperatures at 18c come the start of play. 

How to watch: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Willow TV

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh prediction

Sri Lanka’s last Test series came against Australia and saw the hosts beaten comfortable in both red ball fixtures. But the hosts will expect better against Bangladesh and have extra motivation leading into this first match in Galle, with it being Angelo Matthews’ final Test before retiring from the format. The 38-year-old has been a magnificent servant to Sri Lankan cricket both with bat and ball. It would be no surprise if he had a big part to play in this one.

But it’s the spinners who will likely define the outcome of this contest. Bangladesh have won just twice in all forms of cricket across 2025 so far and a bad start may well see the players go into their shells with Sri Lanka looking to capitalise. Too many Tigers batters are out of form and against an impressive arsenal of spinners, Sri Lanka are well-placed to claim a much-needed victory.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh tip: Sri Lanka to win