The new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (2025-27) is set to begin with a two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Galle. The first Test kicks off today, and the toss has already taken place. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first.

The match will start at 10:30 AM Bangladesh time.

In the inaugural cycle of the World Test Championship, Bangladesh did not secure any series wins. Although they managed to win one Test match in the second cycle, they finished near the bottom of the rankings.

However, in the 2023-25 cycle, Bangladesh improved significantly, registering wins against New Zealand, Pakistan, and West Indies, finishing seventh in the table under Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership. In the new cycle, Bangladesh hopes to increase their number of victories and climb to at least sixth place.

Spin all-rounder Mehidy Hasan is unavailable for this Galle Test due to illness. Meanwhile, fast bowler Ebadat Hossain’s comeback to international cricket is delayed due to injury.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack includes two pacers, Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud, supported by spinners Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan.

Bangladesh Playing XI:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Sadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Zakir Ali, Taijul Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan.

Sri Lanka Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Milan Ratnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando.

This series marks an important start for both teams as they compete for points in the ICC World Test Championship over the next two years.