Bangladesh are on the brink of a historic achievement as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in the second and final Test of the series at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground on Wednesday.
A win would mark Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series victory over Sri Lanka. The match is scheduled to begin at 10:30am Bangladesh time.
The first Test in Galle ended in a draw, with Bangladesh dominating large spells of the game. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front, scoring centuries in both innings — becoming only the 15th player in Test history to do so more than once. Mushfiqur Rahim made a remarkable return to form with scores of 163 and 49, ending a run of 13 innings without a fifty, while Liton Das added a solid 90 in the first innings.
Bangladesh’s bowlers also performed well, creating a real opportunity for victory. However, a cautious approach and rain interruptions on the final day drew criticism, with some questioning whether Shanto and Mushfiqur were more focused on personal milestones. Shanto responded by clarifying that the team prioritized avoiding defeat and had plans to push for a result, which were derailed by the weather and an unresponsive pitch.
The SSC, unlike Galle, is known for producing results. Of the 45 Tests held there, 31 have produced winners, with no draws since 2014 — and none without weather interruption since 2010. Bangladesh, however, have lost all three of their previous Tests at this ground, last playing here in 2006. Despite the poor record, the venue holds special memories: it was where Mohammad Ashraful became the youngest-ever Test centurion in 2001.
Bangladesh’s hopes will be boosted by the return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to illness. The SSC surface tends to support spinners, with nearly 52% of wickets falling to spin. This could work in Bangladesh’s favour, especially after their success in blunting Sri Lanka’s spin threat in Galle. Still, they will be wary of Prabath Jayasuriya, who took eight wickets the last time Sri Lanka played at SSC.
Historically, Bangladesh have struggled against Sri Lanka in Tests — winning just once in 27 matches, drawing six and losing 20. Their only victory came in Colombo, at the P Sara Oval in 2017, in their 100th Test match.
Shanto remains optimistic: “We know Sri Lanka is one of the toughest opposition for us and our record is not good against them. But still, if we can play our top cricket in all three departments, we can beat any team in the world.”
Miraz’s inclusion could mean Anamul Haque Bijoy is dropped after scoring 0 and 4 in the first Test.
Bangladesh squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
Sri Lanka squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara.
All eyes will be on Colombo on Wednesday as Bangladesh chase a piece of cricketing history.
