LIVE: SL vs BAN 1st Test – Bangladesh Steady at 116/3 in 35.5 Overs
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 1st Test match at Galle International Stadium marks the kickoff of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. While the game unfolds in real-time, Bangladesh is currently at 116/3 in 35.5 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto holding the fort.
This match is even more significant as it doubles as the farewell Test for Sri Lankan legend Angelo Mathews, adding emotional weight to the opening fixture.
Match Snapshot
Match: 1st Test (Day 1, Session 2)
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat
Status: Bangladesh 1st Innings – 116/3 (35.5 overs)
Latest: Milan Rathnayake has just begun his second spell
Key Match Moments So Far
Session Update:
Openers’ Start: Bangladesh got off to a cautious start, facing disciplined bowling from Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha.
Early Breakthroughs: Sri Lanka struck early, removing two key top-order batsmen.
Captain Leading from Front: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is playing a composed knock, providing much-needed stability.
Latest Bowling Change:
Milan Rathnayake replaces Asitha Fernando, returning for a second spell. So far: 4 overs | 2 maidens | 5 runs | 0 wickets.
Full Playing Squads
?? Sri Lanka Squad
Captain: Dhananjaya de Silva
Key Players: Angelo Mathews, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya
New Faces: 6 uncapped players, including Pavan Rathnayake and Milan Rathnayake
?? Bangladesh Squad
Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Veterans: Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Youth Watch: Mahidul Islam Ankon, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad
What’s at Stake – ICC WTC 2025-27 Kicks Off
The match kicks off the 4th cycle of the World Test Championship, following South Africa’s win in the previous edition. With both Sri Lanka (6th) and Bangladesh (7th) looking to climb the WTC table, every session in this Test matters.
Player to Watch
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Steady at the crease, guiding Bangladesh through an uncertain first session.
Leading from the front in challenging Galle conditions.
Angelo Mathews
Playing his farewell Test, making it an emotional moment for fans and teammates alike.
Galle Weather Report
The Galle weather remains sunny and humid, ideal for spin bowling.
Pitch showing early signs of turn — expect spinners like Prabath Jayasuriya and Taijul Islam to come into play later.
Where to Watch SL vs BAN 1st Test Live
Want to follow the action live?
India: Sony Sports Network / SonyLIV
Bangladesh: GTV, Rabbithole
Sri Lanka: SLRC (Channel Eye)
Rest of the World: ICC.tv (subject to region)
Also follow ball-by-ball commentary on News18.com and Cricbuzz.
Final Word
With Bangladesh off to a cautious start at 116/3, and Sri Lanka deploying fresh bowling talent, the 1st Test is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle. The mix of youth, experience, and legacy makes this one of the most anticipated Test matches of the year — and a vital beginning to the new WTC 2025-27 cycle.
