The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo sets the stage for a fiercely anticipated second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With the series level following a gripping draw in Galle, both sides approach the finale with everything to play for. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to secure a rare Test series result away from home; for Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to reinforce their stronghold on home soil amidst calls for greater consistency and leadership.
Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform you that entry to the 2nd Test Match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the SSC Ground,
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 23, 2025
Colombo, will be open to the public free of charge.
The public can enter the stadium through Gate Nos. 03 and 04 to witness the match.
The 2nd Test Match… pic.twitter.com/IpMrGoIU7z
Bangladesh’s Confidence Peaks Under Simmons’ Leadership
Under the calm and calculated stewardship of head coach Phil Simmons, the Bangladesh national team enters Colombo buoyed by a performance that broke their historical pattern of sluggish series starts. The draw in Galle was not merely a result on paper—it was a psychological milestone.
Simmons acknowledged the momentum in the squad, emphasizing that the team’s early intensity and mental preparedness set a new benchmark for how Bangladesh approaches Test series openers. The players, according to him, have embraced a new mindset, one that’s built on belief, structure, and execution. With a brief but critical gap between Tests, Simmons focused on ensuring his squad remained physically rejuvenated and mentally sharp.
“The morale has been excellent from the start,” Simmons said during a pre-match press conference. “We prepared thoroughly in Dhaka, and it allowed us to perform from the first ball in Galle. That’s the sort of mentality we’re working to establish in this team—a professional, proactive approach that leaves no room for tentative beginnings.”
This uptick in morale is evident across the board. Key players have responded with resilience, and the dressing room atmosphere reflects a unit that believes it can win anywhere, including in Sri Lanka’s traditionally spin-friendly fortress.
The Tactical Puzzle: Bangladesh Weigh Bowling Options Carefully
A pressing question looms over team selection: Will Bangladesh opt for three seamers or three spinners in Colombo? The return of experienced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz from illness offers Simmons both opportunity and headache. His dual threat—dependable off-spin coupled with solid lower-order batting—makes him a compelling option. However, Nayeem Hasan, who starred with a five-wicket haul in Galle, also stakes a strong claim.
This dilemma encapsulates Bangladesh’s evolution as a Test team: the competition for places is real, and performances demand respect. Simmons admitted that omitting Nayeem would be “tough,” but insisted the decision would be governed solely by the pitch conditions.
“We’ve just arrived at the ground. Once we get a better look at the wicket, we’ll finalize the combination,” he explained. “These are good headaches to have. It shows we’ve got players in form and depth to adapt to different conditions.”
With Taijul Islam a near-certain pick given his control and consistency, the third spot in the spin department may come down to either tactical boldness or loyalty to form. The seam attack, likely to feature Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed, provides penetration with the new ball, but much will hinge on how much purchase the surface offers to the slower bowlers as the Test wears on.
Mehidy’s Return for Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test
If selected, Mehidy Hasan’s presence could shift the dynamics of the match. As one of Bangladesh’s most seasoned campaigners in recent years, his ability to bat with composure and bowl with discipline makes him invaluable, especially on dry surfaces. Moreover, his understanding of subcontinental pitches allows him to exploit footmarks and subtle variations in bounce—a critical asset in Sri Lanka.
Having missed the first Test due to a bout of fever, Mehidy is eager to make an immediate impact. His inclusion would likely push Nayeem out, a harsh but strategic move given the nature of modern Test cricket where balance and adaptability often trump individual performances.
Sri Lanka: De Silva Demands Accountability from Batting Core
On the other side, Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva knows what’s at stake. The hosts were unable to close out the Galle Test, and their batting—while showing flashes of brilliance—lacked the decisive punch that could have placed Bangladesh under sustained pressure.
De Silva has issued a clear challenge to his batters: take responsibility and lay down a foundation in the first innings. He insists that a strong total early on is the surest route to dominance, particularly given how Sri Lankan pitches typically deteriorate on Days 4 and 5.
“We always talk about putting up big first-innings totals. That’s what sets the tone for the match,” said De Silva. “If we get 400 or more, we can control the game and force Bangladesh into a reactive position. But if we fall short again, it opens the door.”
The captain is expected to lead from the front, and much will depend on how the senior batsmen—Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, and Angelo Mathews—respond to this call for accountability. These are players with proven credentials, but they will need to translate starts into centuries if Sri Lanka are to dictate terms.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has named the below 19-member squad for the second test match.
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 23, 2025
The second test match will start on the 25th of June, 2025, at the SSC Ground, Colombo.#SLvBAN #WTC27 pic.twitter.com/oJNVNuFBMZ
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Colombo Pitch
The pitch in Colombo is expected to favor batting early before offering turn and variable bounce in the latter half of the Test. This classic subcontinental template will likely tempt both sides to bat first upon winning the toss, reinforcing the importance of session-by-session discipline.
The outfield is quick, and with hot, dry conditions forecast for the duration of the Test, spinners will increasingly come into play by Day 3. For Sri Lanka, left-arm orthodox spinner Prabath Jayasuriya could be a key weapon, especially when bowling in tandem with off-spinners like Ramesh Mendis.
Bangladesh’s response to these conditions will require precise footwork and patience. Their top-order, featuring Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto, has shown increasing maturity in recent series, but Colombo will test their ability to convert gritty starts into match-defining knocks.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Players to Watch
For Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – Coming off a string of consistent performances, his temperament and technique make him central to Bangladesh’s batting success.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz – His all-round contributions could provide the edge, especially if the pitch begins to favor spin.
- Taijul Islam – Known for his metronomic accuracy, Taijul will be key in applying pressure from one end.
For Sri Lanka:
- Dhananjaya de Silva – As captain and a top-order batter, the responsibility to anchor innings falls heavily on his shoulders.
- Prabath Jayasuriya – With spin likely to be decisive, Jayasuriya’s ability to extract turn on aging pitches could tilt the balance.
- Kusal Mendis – A potential game-changer when in rhythm, Mendis needs to curb his impulsiveness and focus on building partnerships.
Mental Toughness and Execution to Decide Outcome
Beyond tactics and conditions, this Test will be won by the side that maintains composure under pressure. Bangladesh’s newfound belief must translate into execution across five days. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must shed their recent habit of letting opportunities slip and play with the assertiveness expected at home.
This is more than just a bilateral contest—it’s a barometer of growth for both teams. For Bangladesh, a series win here would mark a significant chapter in their Test journey. For Sri Lanka, a dominant finish is essential to silence doubts and reinforce their credentials in the World Test Championship standings.
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🏏💨 As part of the celebrations marking 25 years of Bangladesh’s Test status, Chattogram roared with speed during the thrilling Pace Challenge! Young guns brought the heat, and the fastest deliveries were rewarded with pride and prizes!#25YearsOfTest #BCB #BangladeshCricket pic.twitter.com/FFVDSrmVWc
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 24, 2025
Conclusion
With confidence surging in the Bangladesh camp and accountability echoing from the Sri Lankan dressing room, the second Test promises to be a compelling encounter marked by skill, grit, and ambition. As both teams take the field in Colombo, the stakes go far beyond statistics or scorecards—they strike at the heart of each side’s evolving Test identity.
Only one team will emerge with a series win. But for both, the journey in this match could define their trajectory for the rest of the year.
