• Match: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Match, Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024
• Date and Time: March 22, 03:30 am GMT / 09:00 pm IST / 09:30 am local time
• Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet

In 2024, Bangladesh ventures into Test cricket, seeking to build on their progress from the previous year. Despite a narrow loss to New Zealand in their final 2023 Test, Bangladesh’s earlier convincing 150-run victory over the Black Caps showcased their potential, especially notable as New Zealand claimed the inaugural WTC title. Under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, the team features a rejuvenated, youthful lineup, transitioning from past stalwarts.

Emerging talents like Mahmudul Hasan Joy are anticipated to shine with the bat, while Shoriful Islam spearheads Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

In contrast, Sri Lanka enters their second 2024 Test, aiming to replicate their dominant performance against Afghanistan earlier in February. Prabath Jayasuriya’s superb bowling display earned him the Player of the Match award in their previous victory.

Angelo Mathews’ return to an all-format role strengthens Sri Lanka’s lineup, highlighted by his impactful century against Afghanistan. However, the absence of all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, serving a suspension for dissent during a recent ODI against Bangladesh, poses a challenge.

Despite Sri Lanka’s historical dominance over Bangladesh in Test cricket, Hasaranga’s absence could influence the upcoming match in Sylhet, potentially leveling the playing field.

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (wk), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed.

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

Who will win the toss? – Bangladesh
Who will win? – Sri Lanka

It will be updated soon

The wicket at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is expected to provide growing support to spinners as the Test match unfolds. With Friday’s weather predicted to remain consistent, both teams are inclined to opt for batting first. This strategic choice aims to exploit the favorable conditions and establish a substantial yet cautious score during the initial days of the match.

Historically, batting conditions at this venue have noticeably worsened by the fourth innings of the match, indicating a probable continuation of this trend for the upcoming Test. A par score for the first innings is estimated to fall within the range of 300 to 320 runs. This underscores the difficulty of batting on this specific pitch as the match progresses, highlighting the challenges that both teams are likely to face.

Day 1 on Friday is expected to feature clear skies with highs of 28 degrees Celsius and no rainfall. However, the following four days of the Test match are anticipated to be interrupted by thunderstorms and rain showers. High humidity levels are forecasted to persist throughout the entirety of the match, resulting in a sticky and humid atmosphere in Sylhet.