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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 25, 2025, 09:03:21 IST
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 1 Live: Bangladesh cricket head coach Phil Simmons expressed optimism ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, citing the team's strong performance in the series opener that has elevated team morale. The confidence comes after Bangladesh's recent Test achievements, including drawn series against West Indies in November 2024 and Zimbabwe in April 2025.
The team's positive momentum stems from their impressive start in the first Test, marking a departure from their typically slow series beginnings.
"There's a lot of confidence from the way we played. Often, we're a bit slow to start in the first Test of a series, but this time, we hit the ground running. That gives us a lot of belief going into the second Test," Simmons told reporters.
The coach praised the team's preparation and spirit following the draw in Galle.
"The morale has been excellent from the start. The guys did their work in Dhaka so that we could hit the ground running here. The draw in Galle was a solid result, and we've recovered well in the three days since. Spirits are high."
Simmons shared his assessment of the playing conditions and team readiness.
"It looks like a good wicket so far. I haven't seen it today, but from what we saw yesterday, it looked decent. Tomorrow, we'll come in and look to play as hard as we did in Galle. There are a few little things we want to improve on, and it's important that we either maintain or elevate the level we showed in the first Test."
The team's physical and mental preparation has been notable.
"The players are doing well. Playing good cricket lifts the mood, and we've had a decent break between Tests. They're mentally strong and physically ready. We're up for the challenge," he added.
Bangladesh faces a selection dilemma regarding their bowling lineup, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz expected to return after missing the first Test due to fever.
"That decision will be made later today, depending on what we see in the pitch. We've just arrived at the ground, so we need to assess the conditions first before deciding on team balance, whether we go with three seamers or three spinners," said Simmons.
SL vs BAN Live Score: Bangladesh head coach
Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons expressed confidence ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, stating that the team's strong showing in the series opener has boosted morale, something not often seen in their recent Test history.
Bangladesh had previously drawn a two-match Test series in the West Indies in November 2024 after losing the first Test and managed a similar result at home against Zimbabwe in April 2025, also bouncing back after an opening defeat.
"There's a lot of confidence from the way we played. Often, we're a bit slow to start in the first Test of a series, but this time, we hit the ground running. That gives us a lot of belief going into the second Test," Simmons told reporters ahead of the second Test in Colombo.
"The morale has been excellent from the start. The guys did their work in Dhaka so that we could hit the ground running here. The draw in Galle was a solid result, and we've recovered well in the three days since. Spirits are high.
"It looks like a good wicket so far. I haven't seen it today, but from what we saw yesterday, it looked decent. Tomorrow, we'll come in and look to play as hard as we did in Galle. There are a few little things we want to improve on, and it's important that we either maintain or elevate the level we showed in the first Test.
"The players are doing well. Playing good cricket lifts the mood, and we've had a decent break between Tests. They're mentally strong and physically ready. We're up for the challenge," he added.
SL vs BAN Live Score, 1st Test Day 1:
For Sri Lanka, the Galle Test will be remembered as Angelo Mathews’ farewell to Test cricket. The veteran’s retirement leaves a significant gap that the team must address in this match and going forward. Additionally, they will be without Milan Ratnayake, who has been sidelined due to injury.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Live Score Squads
Bangladesh Squad: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das(w), Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad, Khaled Ahmed, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Ebadot Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Kasun Rajitha, Oshada Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Dunith Wellalage, Isitha Wijesundera
SL vs BAN Live Score: Stats
Sri Lanka have lost four of their last eight Tests at the SSC. Prior to that, they had gone 21 Tests without defeat at the venue.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Live Score: Team News
Sri Lanka (predicted XI): Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (wk), Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando
Bangladesh (predicted XI): Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud
SL vs BAN Live Score: Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the second Test match to be played between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Stay tuned for all the live udpates.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 1 Live: Following a drawn first Test in Galle, the World Test Championship (WTC) battle shifts to Colombo, where more crucial points are up for grabs—especially for Sri Lanka. With tough home series against India and South Africa still to come, failing to secure a win over a lower-ranked Bangladesh could feel like a major missed opportunity for the hosts.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will take plenty of confidence into the second Test. They were the more likely of the two teams to force a result in Galle and will arrive in Colombo with real belief that they can convert their momentum into a victory. Considering their remaining away fixtures are against WTC 2025 finalists Australia and South Africa, any points earned here could prove vital.
The Test in Colombo also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sri Lanka, being their first since the retirement of veteran Angelo Mathews. The search for his long-term successor is underway, with spin-bowling allrounder Sonal Dinusha likely to be the first given a chance. His left-arm spin could prove useful in home conditions, and with no more Tests scheduled for Sri Lanka this year, Dinusha will be eager to seize his moment.
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