The second and final Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh kicked off at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo with high stakes and fresh faces. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry surface expected to favor spinners as the match progresses.
Sonal Dinusha Makes Test Debut
Sri Lanka handed a maiden Test cap to 24-year-old all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who replaces the recently retired Angelo Mathews. Dinusha, a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, slots in at No. 6, while skipper Dhananjaya de Silva moves up to No. 4 to fill the leadership void.
Team Changes and Tactical Moves
Sri Lanka made two key changes: Vishwa Fernando replaces the injured Milan Rathnayake, and Dinusha steps in for Mathews. The hosts opted for a spin-heavy attack, fielding three spinners—Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, and Dinusha—despite earlier considering a three-seamer strategy.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcomed back Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who missed the first Test due to illness. He replaces Jaker Ali, while Ebadot Hossain comes in for the injured Hasan Mahmud. The visitors also chose a three-pronged spin attack, retaining Nayeem Hasan after his impressive six-wicket haul in Galle.
What’s at Stake
With the first Test ending in a high-scoring draw, this match serves as the series decider and a crucial fixture in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Rain is forecast across all five days, adding urgency for both sides to force a result.
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