In Colombo, the stage is set for an intense showdown as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lock horns in the second and final Test of the two-match series.
With the first Test ending in a rare draw at Galle the first such result at the venue since 2013 both teams are determined to leave no stone unturned in their bid to seal the series and collect crucial World Test Championship points.
Choosing to bat first, Bangladesh embraced the challenge of posting a strong total on a Colombo pitch likely to assist spinners as the game progresses. Openers Shadman Islam and Anamul Haque began cautiously, aware of the early movement under overcast skies at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
This match marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka, who are stepping into a transitional phase. Following Angelo Mathews’ retirement after the Galle Test, debutant Sonal Dinusha has stepped into the middle order in Colombo, ready to shoulder the responsibility left behind by the veteran.
With Dhananjaya de Silva continuing to lead and bat at No. 4, and Kusal Mendis taking on wicketkeeping duties, Sri Lanka are banking on a mix of youth and experience.
The home side made two changes: Vishwa Fernando comes in for the injured Milan Rathnayake, while Dinusha replaces the retired Mathews. The bowling unit will hope for better returns, especially Prabath Jayasuriya, who was surprisingly ineffective on the flat Galle pitch.
On the Bangladesh side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz makes his return after missing the first Test due to illness, replacing Jaker Ali. His presence is expected to boost both spin and lower-order batting. Bangladesh will be aiming to build on the momentum from the first Test, where skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto stood tall with twin centuries and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim shone with a first-innings ton.
With rain forecasted across the five days, both teams are aware that time will be a factor. For Bangladesh, fixing top-order inconsistencies remains key, while Sri Lanka will be hoping their young guns can step up in the absence of seasoned names.
As the battle unfolds in Colombo, the pressure is on both sides to seize the moment, take control of the series, and mark their authority in this new WTC cycle.