Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Predictions and Match Preview

Unless you’re a fan of watching batsmen dominate bowlers for five straight days with play ending early often due to bad light and the match ending in an obvious draw, the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was only important to you if you’re directly related to any of the players who did well. It was as bad as a one-sided Test, and we hope the next match will bring us more excitement. That being said, both sets of players are now confident and balanced for a make or break Test with everything to play for - that is, if the tempestuous weather doesn’t hamper that. Before the white-clad players make it out to the middle, let’s take a look at the two sides.

Sri Lanka

Predicted XI for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Roshen Silva, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sri Lanka team preview and form

There’s really little of consequence to be said about either of the teams’ performances, but here goes. Bowling first, it took Sri Lanka a long time to get rid of Bangladesh’s top order. Vishwa Fernando eventually took 4, and with support from a few others, the Lankans managed to take out 7 wickets before the visitors declared. Down by 541, Sri Lanka put up even better numbers. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne led the way with a massive 244, with Dhananjaya de Silva providing excellent support with 166, and Lahiru Thirimanne’s 58 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 43 helping the cause along to get the Lankans to a commanding 648. 

With only half a day to go, it was always going to be a draw, but Suranga Lakmal took two early wickets to unsettle Bangladesh before things ended unfinished.

Sri Lanka key players for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh

Dimuth Karunaratne: The captain was nigh unstoppable in the first match.

Lahiru Thirimanne: Although he missed out on runs in the first match, Thirimanne is a solid player who usually makes the best of home matches.

Suranga Lakmal: Lakmal showed signs of brilliance in the second innings, and he’s still a fantastic bowler in any case.

Wanindu Hasaranga: With the pitch almost definitely about to become more spin-friendly, we expect Hasaranga to strike multiple times.

Bangladesh

Predicted XI for 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka

Mominul Haque (c), Liton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tamim Iqbal, Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain.

Bangladesh team preview and form

The only real takeaway from Bangladesh’s innings is that it was one of their better away performances. Batting first, Tamim Iqbal started the match as though he was playing an ODI, rushing to 90 off just 101 deliveries. Najmul Hasan Shanto and Mominul Haque then held strong with 163 and 127 respectively, and later on, Mushfiqur Rahim’s 68 and Liton Das’ quickfire 50 took the team’s score to 541 before the declaration came. Bangladesh’s bowling, however, was far from successful. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the lot with 3 wickets, and Taijul Islam took two, but runs flowed freely and soon, the Tigers were staring at a 107 run deficit despite their massive first innings.

A nervous few minutes followed as the visitors lost two early, but Tamim Iqbal’s aggressive 74 and Mominul Haque’s defensive approach held the sway before bad light put an end to the match with the teams on even ground.

Bangladesh key players for 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka

Tamim Iqbal: We don’t know if he’ll pull off similar shenanigans, but Tamim remains one of Bangladesh’s most prolific batsman.

Mominul Haque: After a strong performance, the captain will want to follow up with more.

Taskin Ahmed: The only Bangladeshi bowler to show any real promise, Taskin will have to make the best of the modified pitch.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz: If the pitch is indeed changed to become spin-friendly, we can all but rest assured that Miraz will be striking hard.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd Test pitch report and weather conditions

After a snoozefest of no contest batting, the Pallekele pitch will no doubt be given some texture to help out the bowlers. It will most likely be more helpful for spinners, while still remaining a decent batting track. Expect those winning the toss to choose to bat, and put up 400+.

It seems that Sri Lanka is hogging all the rain from the world, with slight rain predicted on the first afternoon, but torrential downpours almost certain every afternoon after that. Given such conditions, it will take a miracle for this Test to actually play out in full - unless the pitch is made into the exact opposite of what it has been all this time.

Can Sri Lanka take advantage of any customized changes to their home turf? Or will Bangladesh’s confidence boost see them surprising the hosts? Find out if our Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh 2nd Test predictions come true starting Thursday!