Bangladesh Opts to Bat First in Pivotal 2nd Test Against Sri Lanka
In a much-anticipated encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat first in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka. With the first Test in Galle ending in a draw, this match carries significant weight, as both teams seek a series win and the chance to build momentum heading into the upcoming white-ball fixtures.
As play began on June 25, 2025, under warm and humid Colombo skies, the focus shifted to the pitch and player changes. Bangladesh brought back experienced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to injury, replacing Jaker Ali in the lineup. For Sri Lanka, it was a significant moment as 24-year-old all-rounder Sonal Dinusha made his Test debut, stepping in after the retirement of veteran Angelo Mathews. Dinusha, with an impressive first-class record of 2,478 runs and 99 wickets, now faces the pressure of filling Mathews' shoes.
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The first session saw Bangladesh at 65 for 2 after 25.1 overs. Shadman Islam looked composed, holding his ground at 38* off 83 balls, while skipper Shanto was on 6*. The Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando, managed to keep things tight early on, with Asitha taking the wicket of Anamul Haque. Tharindu Rathnayake bowled a steady spell but went wicketless in the morning.
The match is more than just about the runs or wickets—it's about transition, resilience, and pride. For Sri Lanka, this Test marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. Angelo Mathews, one of the country’s most decorated cricketers, received a heartfelt farewell in Galle after the first match, where he waved to fans as teammates carried him in celebration of his final Test appearance. His legacy looms large, and the young players now shoulder the responsibility to carry it forward.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, is trying to establish consistency in the longest format. With the return of Miraz, their bowling lineup looks more balanced. The onus now lies on the top order to put up a competitive first-innings total on what appears to be a batting-friendly surface early on.
This Test has all the ingredients of a classic—emotion, fresh beginnings, and the hunger for a series win. As the day progresses, all eyes will be on whether Bangladesh can capitalize on their decision to bat first, or if the Sri Lankan bowlers will find early breakthroughs to tilt the match in their favor.
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