After holding Sri Lanka to a hard-fought draw in Galle, Bangladesh will be eager to carry forward the momentum as the two-match Test series heads to its decisive final chapter in Colombo. The second Test begins on June 25 at the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, with both teams locked at 0-0 and eyeing a series victory.
For a side not known for its overseas resilience, the Galle result felt like a small but significant step forward for Bangladesh. It was a performance that pleased head coach Phil Simmons, who believes his team can now aim higher.
“Generally, we start a bit slowly in the first Test, but this time we played well from the beginning,” Simmons said in the pre-match press conference. “That has given the group a lot of belief. The players now feel confident about their abilities going into the second Test.”
Miraz Returns as Bangladesh olster their line-up
Much of the pre-match buzz in the Bangladesh camp surrounds the return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The off-spinning all-rounder missed the Galle Test due to injury, which forced Bangladesh to go in with just four specialist bowlers. Now fit again, Miraz’s comeback is expected to add much-needed depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
“Looks like you’re sure Miraz is playing!” Simmons joked when asked about his inclusion. “He’s the second-best all-rounder in the world. His presence makes us stronger in both areas. Of course, he’ll do his job, but it’s equally important for the rest of the team to step up.”
With Miraz returning, a selection dilemma arises: will off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, who bowled impressively in Galle, retain his place? Simmons hinted that pitch conditions would play a key role in finalising the XI.
“Whatever the wicket offers, we’ll decide accordingly. Nayeem was outstanding in Galle, and it would be tough to leave him out. We’ll do what’s best for the team.”
Spin to win late on
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva expects a typically flat SSC surface for the second Test, but warned that spinners could come into play as the match progresses.
“I think it’ll be a flat wicket initially. Usually, in the final two days, there’s some turn. So spin could become a factor towards the end,” said de Silva. “We’ll be playing for a win, no doubt. The plan is to post a big first innings total and then pressure Bangladesh by taking 20 wickets.”
With spin likely to play a greater role in the latter stages, Miraz’s return could prove decisive. Bangladesh will hope the off-spinner’s current form – particularly his sharper batting – can help tilt the contest in their favour. Already being seen by many as the heir to Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round legacy, Miraz now has the stage to deliver a performance of similar calibre.
Respect, but no fear
Despite Miraz’s rising stature, de Silva downplayed suggestions that Sri Lanka viewed him as a major threat.
“We don’t see him as a big threat. He’s done well at home against us in the past, but we’ve faced him before. It should still be a good contest,” he said, adding that his side has been impressed with the way Bangladesh have developed as a Test outfit. “They’ve been playing really well lately. In Galle, we had early breakthroughs but Shanto and Mushfiqur batted with real control.”
Time to play for the win?
In the wake of the Galle draw, some Bangladesh fans expressed frustration over the team’s cautious approach – particularly the decision not to declare earlier in the second innings. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto defended the move, citing a lack of turn in the latter stages of the game.
Whether Colombo offers a more result-oriented surface remains to be seen. But with both captains talking up their intent to win, and with spin likely to enter the equation late, an enthralling finish to the series could be in store.
Fixture: 2nd Test – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Date: June 25–29, 2025
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo
Series status: 0-0
Weather forecast: Hot and humid, chances of late-day thunderstorms
Pitch report: Flat to begin with; expected to break up and offer turn on Days 4 and 5
Players to watch: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN), Dhananjaya de Silva (SL), Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN), Prabath Jayasuriya (SL)