Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

The hosts Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, which will be a part of the World Test Championship. The first game is slated to start at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on May 15 (Sunday). While skipper Mominul Haque will be leading the home side, Sri Lanka will be captained by Dimuth Karunaratne.

In a big boost to the home side, veteran player Shakib Al Hasan will be available for the first Test after testing negative for COVID-19. The visitors faced the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI to prepare for the upcoming series. However, the rain spoiled the practice game with only 18.2 overs being bowled in the match.

However, the left-handed batter Karunaratne has emphasized the fact that the incomplete practice match will not have much of a say in the series and they put up a solid squad to compete against home side Bangladesh. It must be noted that Bangladesh suffered a humiliating series loss against South Africa recently.

Pitch and conditions

The wicket at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is expected to assist the spinners. The skipper winning the toss might want to bat first and make the most of good batting conditions. Meanwhile, the rain is expected to interrupt on all five days.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Probable XIs

Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan has tested negative for COVID-19 and is expected to be included. Meanwhile, senior batter Tamim Iqbal, who will open the innings, will have a big responsibility of giving a good start to the home side.

Predicted XI:  Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain

Sri Lanka

A lot will depend on the skipper Dimuth Karunaratne to provide a good start to the visitors. Similarly, experienced batters like Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva will have the responsibility to counter the spin attack of Bangladesh and score runs for their team.

Predicted XI: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Kasun Rajitha, Praveen Jayawickrama

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka head-to-head

Played – 22 | Bangladesh – 1 | Sri Lanka – 17 | Draw – 4

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 09:30 AM IST

Live Streaming – Fancode