Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|16-06-2025
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, two proud cricketing nations from the heart of South Asia, are all set for another high-stakes tour.
The Tigers, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, arrive in Colombo and beyond confidently, eager to build on their growing strength. Sri Lanka, captained by Dhananjaya de Silva, will host the series at home, hoping to reassert their dominance in familiar surroundings.This tour promises a full spectrum of cricketing action. Traditional red-ball Tests at iconic venues like Pallekele and Chattogram, lively white-ball One-Day Internationals, and thrilling T20s packed with powerplays and big hitting.
Both teams missed out on glory in the previous ICC Test Championship cycle, so the 2025–27 WTC opener is significant.Expect edge-of-seat contests under Shanto’s youthful firepower and De Silva’s crafty experience. From spin-friendly pitches to fast bowling duels, this tour offers everything for cricket fans, and Dream11 managers have plenty to plan for!
Date: 17th June 2025
Time: 10:00 am is
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Format and Stage: World Test Championship 2025-27 Cycle.
Broadcast/Streaming Details: The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test series will be streamed live on the SonyLiv and FanCode app and website
Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), Prabath Jayasuriya, Sonal Dina, Ashitha, Ash.
Kasun rajithaTeam Updates: This Test series marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s WTC 2025–27 journey. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a slightly revamped squad featuring both seasoned campaigners and fresh faces.
Notably, this match will be Angelo Mathews’ final Test, bringing the curtains down on a decorated red ball career that began in 2009.Lahiru Kumara misses out due to injury, while Sonal Dinusha, who debuted vs Australia, keeps his spot. Also on the radar are uncapped players Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara, who could break into the XI if there’s squad rotation.
Somewhere in the mentend: 4,668 runs in 71 Tests with 10 centuries and 21 fifties. Proven match winner and potential captain pick.
Pathum nissanka: The “next big thing” with 936 runs in 16 Tests. He has a great technique and temperament.
Prabath jayasuriya: Lethal on spinning tracks. 116 wickets in just 20 matches, must have in any fantasy side.
Predicted Playing XI: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Das, Mushfique Rahim, Jaker Ali (Wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, EBADOT HOSSAIN, KHALED Ahmed
Team Updates: Bangladesh enter the WTC 2025–27 cycle with a familiar core. Najmul Hossain Shanto continues to lead the side, while the return of Litton Das provides stability in the middle order. Ebadot Hossain, back from injury, adds pace to an otherwise spin-heavy bowling unit.
The squad has a blend of experience and fresh energy, with Jaker Ali getting more red ball exposure and Taijul Islam and Mehidy forming a threatening spin duo.
MEHIDY HASAN MIRAZ: A reliable all-rounder with 2,068 runs and 205 wickets in 53 Tests. Can fetch points with both bat and ball.
Taijul Islam: Bangladesh’s go-to spinner against Sri Lanka. 228 wickets in 53 matches; a must pick on turning pitches.
Ebadot hossain: The returning speedster has 42 wickets in 20 Tests. Great pick for early breakthroughs.
Angelo mathews: The veteran is set for his farewell Test and will want to finish strong. With 8,167 runs in 118 matches, 16 centuries, and a solid average of 45, Mathews is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest red-ball batters. Expect motivation + experience = fantasy points.
Kamindo mistakes: One of the most under-the-radar Test batters right now. He has 1,184 runs in just 12 Tests at an incredible average of 63, with 5 centuries and 4 fifties. A consistent run scorer and a great vice-captain pick.
Differential Pick: Litton Das
Back in the side after a brief layoff, Litton has 2,788 runs in 48 Tests, including 4 centuries and 17 fifties. The stylish right-hander could fly under the radar and become a big Grand League (GL) asset.
The Kingdom of Silva (DDS): Captain, dependable middle-order batter, and part-time off-spinner. DDS brings balance to any fantasy side with 4,095 runs and 40 wickets in 63 Tests. A safe Dream11 VC or C pick for small leagues.
MEHIDY HASAN MIRAZ: One of Bangladesh’s best Test all-rounders. With 2,068 runs and 205 wickets in 53 Tests, Mehidy contributes in every innings. Ideal for both SL and GL teams, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
Prabath jayasuriya: This man is a monster at home. With 116 wickets in just 20 Tests, he’s arguably the first name you lock in if you expect a Day 4 finish.
Taijul Islam: Loves bowling against Sri Lanka and thrives on turning tracks. He’s taken 228 wickets in 53 Tests, including multiple 5-fers. A reliable pick for consistent points through the innings.
These players are known for their reliability and are more likely to give you consistent returns across both innings.
Dinesh Chandimal (C) / Mehidy Hasan Miraz (VC)
Chandimal is a seasoned campaigner in Tests, while Mehidy’s all-round abilities make him a fantasy goldmine.
Pathum Nissanka (C) / Taijul Islam (VC)
Nissanka has been in excellent touch and is known to anchor innings well. Taijul thrives in spin-friendly Sri Lankan conditions and is a proven wicket-taker.
High Risk, High Reward Picks (For Grand Leagues)
Go big or go home. These picks can catapult you to the top of GLs if they click.
Litton Das (C) / Kamindu Mendis (VC)
Litton returns with a point to prove, while Kamindu’s hot form makes him a perfect wildcard VC.
Nayeem Hasan (c) / Kusus Mandis (VC)
Nayeem is a strike bowler who can turn a match on his day. Kusal’s counter-attacking style makes him a perfect pick if Sri Lanka bat first.
For the tip: In spin-friendly Galle, always ensure you pick at least one spinner as C/VC in GL contests
Balanced and consistent picks are ideal for head-to-head and 3–5 player contests.
WK: Somewhere in the mend
BAT: Angelo Mathews, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Dinesh Chandimal, Shadman Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim
AR: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dhananjaya De Silva (C)
BOWL: Prabath Jayasuriya (VC), Khaled Ahmad, Kasun Rajith
Differential Pick: Khaled Ahmad: Bangladesh’s best bet with pace on flat wickets.
Aggressive picks are ideal for 10+ member contests where you aim to top the leaderboard.
WK: Jaaker ali
BAT: Litton Das, Oshada Fernando, Cammmindu Mendis, Shadman Islam
AR: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Dhananjaya De Silva
BOWL: Prabath Jayasuriya, Sonal Dinusha (Debut Pick: High UpSide), Asitha Fernando, Ebadot Hossain (VC)
Differential Pick: Sonal Dinusha: A surprise debutant who bowls and bats in the middle order, ideal for GL punts.
On fantasy platforms like My11Circle, MPL, and Howzat, scoring patterns and multipliers often favour batters and bowlers with strike impact. Since Sri Lanka are hot favourites to win, stack your team with top-order Lankan batters and frontline spinners like Prabath Jayasuriya. Maintain a core of Bangladesh key players: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain, and Nahid Rana (if he plays). Prefer captains with dual roles (DDS, Mehidy) for maximum multiplier benefit across platforms.
The Galle International Stadium offers classic subcontinent conditions, dry, spin-friendly, and slow, especially from Day 3 onwards. Early in the match, batting is manageable, but as cracks develop, spinners become lethal. Recent matches here, including Sri Lanka’s 704/3 vs Ireland, show high-scoring potential early and dramatic collapses later. The last Test saw Australia chase an easy 75 after Sri Lanka crumbled. With hot weather and no rain expected, fatigue and pitch wear will favour spin. For fantasy, prioritise spin bowlers and top-order batters who can use early batting conditions.
Ans: Kammindu Mendis offers consistency with the bat and is a safe captain pick across formats.
Ans: Use differential picks like Sonal Dinusha, stack spinners, and vary captain/vice combos.
Ans: Oshada Fernando and Sonal Dinusha are smart value picks for today’s match.