The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh comes down to this decisive second Test, which begins on June 26 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. The first Test, held in Galle, ended in a draw due to rain interruptions, despite both teams having strong moments. With the series now level at 0–0, this match becomes the series decider—whichever team wins here will take the series. The stakes are high, and both sides will be looking to make history and gain crucial ICC World Test Championship points.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can watch the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd Test live on the Sony Sports Network in India and Sri Lanka, Ten Sports in Pakistan and Sony Sports in India as well. Match start time is 10:00 AM local time in Colombo | 10:30 AM in Bangladesh | 10:00 AM PST | 5:30 AM GMT.
Team Analysis
Sri Lanka enter this Test with a blend of experience and youth, aiming to capitalize on home advantage. Their batting has been anchored by players like Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, both of whom showed grit in the Galle Test. The inclusion of debutant Sonal Dinusha and all-rounder Dunith Wellalage provides a fresh spin dimension, while pacers Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando offer early seam threat. The absence of Angelo Mathews due to retirement and the unavailability of Milan Rathnayake leaves a gap in the middle-order stability and fast-bowling depth, but Sri Lanka’s familiarity with subcontinental conditions gives them a psychological edge.
However, the Lankan side has a few visible cracks. Their middle-order struggled under pressure in Galle, and the new faces—while promising—lack Test-level experience. Sonal Dinusha and Wellalage will be under scrutiny to perform in what could be a turning wicket at SSC. With leadership and consistency under question, Sri Lanka must execute better under pressure and avoid collapses that have plagued them in recent red-ball encounters. Fielding lapses and a slightly inexperienced bench also put them at a tactical disadvantage if the match drags into a fifth-day battle of attrition.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, walks into this match with quiet confidence after showing competitive spirit in Galle. Their batting lineup, which includes Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Shadman Islam, showed resilience and intent. The return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz from illness has greatly boosted their spin attack and batting depth. Nayeem Hasan and Taijul Islam bowled with discipline and extracted turn from the Galle wicket—conditions that are likely to be replicated in Colombo. Pacer Shoriful Islam and all-rounder Soumya Sarkar round off a squad that appears balanced on paper. However, Bangladesh’s historical away record in Tests, especially in Sri Lanka, remains a concern. They will need to overcome mental barriers and maintain composure against a team that has traditionally dominated them in these conditions.
Match Insights and Conclusion
This crucial Test will take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, a ground known for its flat first-day pitches and increasing assistance for spinners as the match progresses. The surface typically offers early movement for seamers on Day 1 but starts to deteriorate by Day 3, favoring slow bowlers and reverse swing. Given this behavior, both sides with spin strength will look to exploit the conditions, though Sri Lanka, with their experience on this wicket, may benefit slightly more.
Key impact players to watch out for include Asitha Fernando, who impressed with his disciplined fast bowling in Galle, and Sonal Dinusha, who took key wickets on debut and will be eager to prove himself on home soil. For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be central with both bat and ball, while Nayeem Hasan’s role as a strike spinner could be vital on a pitch expected to break up by the fourth day. If you want to watch the Sri vs Ban live match, scroll above and click on the link provided.
