Prepare for a riveting showdown as Bangladesh squares off against Sri Lanka in the inaugural Test of their highly anticipated two-match series. Set against the backdrop of the illustrious Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, this encounter promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM IST on March 22, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unfolding drama on the field.

BAN vs SL 1st Test – Sylhet Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is poised to offer a tantalizing blend of challenges and opportunities for both teams. Seam bowlers are likely to relish the conditions on the first day, extracting movement and bounce from the surface. As the match progresses, Day 2 presents the best batting conditions, providing an ideal platform for strokeplay and accumulation. However, spinners will come to the fore on the subsequent three days, exploiting the turning tracks to unsettle the opposition.

Team Previews: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Team News & Playing XI: Bangladesh enters the Test arena buoyed by a remarkable ODI series triumph over Sri Lanka. However, the absence of veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim due to injury poses a significant setback. In his absence, Towhid Hridoy steps into the squad alongside the returning Litton Das. The team banks on the prowess of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Zakir Hasan in the batting department, while Taijul Islam and Mahidy Hasan Miraz spearhead the bowling attack.

Bangladesh Predicted Playing 11: Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed.

Sri Lanka Team News & Playing XI: Eager to avenge their ODI series defeat, Sri Lanka braces for a fierce battle in the Test arena. However, the suspension of ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga deals a significant blow to their bowling arsenal. Led by Dimuth Karunaratne, the team relies on the batting prowess of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Matthews. Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara form the core of the bowling unit.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Ramesh Mendis.

Prediction: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka

While Bangladesh rides high on the momentum of their recent ODI triumph, Sri Lanka seeks redemption in the Test arena. The absence of key players on both sides adds an element of unpredictability to the contest. Sri Lanka’s experience and depth may provide them with the edge in this encounter, exploiting the relative inexperience of the Bangladesh squad. Thus, our prediction leans towards Sri Lanka emerging victorious in the 1st Test clash.

Final Verdict: As the stage is set and anticipation reaches a crescendo, cricket enthusiasts brace themselves for an enthralling battle between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Amidst the lush greens of Sylhet, expect nothing short of a spectacle as these cricketing titans lock horns in pursuit of glory and supremacy.