The Bangladesh team will take on Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first of a two-match Test series. The Tigers have never defeated the Lankan team in a home Test match. Bangladesh’s only Test victory against Sri Lanka came in 2017 at the P Sara Oval away from home. Besides, they have never won a longer-version series against the Lankans. In that context, the BAN vs SL first Test 2022 will be crucial for the hosts to create history against the Lankans.

Oppositely, the visitors will be hoping to start the series with a victory as the outcome of each match will have a significant impact on their ICC’s World Test Championship points standings. The first match preview is discussed in this article.

Read Shakib to play first Test vs Sri Lanka

The First Test Match Preview: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

The first match of the series will be held at the ZACS, Chattogram, and the scheduled start time is 10 a.m. (Bangladesh Start Time). This is known for its relatively good ground for the batters in comparison to other venues in Bangladesh. The batters will likely have a good time in the middle, especially in the first three days.

This ground saw one of the most successful run chases in Test cricket last year during the Bangladesh vs West Indies match. The Windies pulled off a magnificent victory over Bangladesh on the third session of day five. This amazing stat indicates that batters can find a way to play long innings even in the last two days at Chattogram’s ZACS ground.

Read Where to Watch BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 Live Streaming from Bangladesh?

Top Five Highest fourth innings totals (successful run chases)

   Source: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/222199.html

Read Domingo reluctant to play ‘unfit’ Shakib

Bangladesh

Some Bangladesh batters' preferred hunting ground is Chattogram’s ZACS. One of them is skipper Mominul Haque. The left-handed batter has the best average among Bangladesh players at this ground who have played more than one match. He also has seven Test hundreds at ZACS, most by any player. Besides, Mushfiqur, Tamim, and Shakib all have good records at this venue. Therefore, batting shouldn’t be a major concern for the hosts against this Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential.

Top five most Test runs at ZACS, Chattogram 

   Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

Read Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka'

In bowling, spinners have to take the bulk of the responsibility since the pace bowling unit isn’t so strong for the hosts. In addition, Bangladesh’s spinners have excellent records at this venue as well. Shakib will lead the bowling attack, but Taijul has the ability to rip apart the opposition's batting line-up.

Top five most Test wickets at ZACS, Chattogram 

    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

Read Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka

Probable playing XI

Top Order: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Orders: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wicket-Keeper), Nayeem Hasan, Lower-Order: Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain.

Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan team is currently under pressure to make a strong comeback after a disappointing performance in their last Test series against India. The Lankan side has some seriously talented players who have the capacity to exhibit fine performance. However, will they be able to showcase their potential against a tough Bangladesh side in the BAN vs SL first Test 2022?

The newly appointed Lankan head coach, Chris Silverwood, informed us that he has given license to the batters to play fearless cricket. Therefore, the batters are expected to show a positive mindset during the match. The Lankan opener and captain, Karunaratne, will be vital for them to have a strong start to the innings. Besides, Mendis and other senior players will have to play their parts properly during the contest.

Read Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back

In bowling, two of the young spinners—Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya, will be crucial for the Lankan side. These two already have eye-catching bowling stats in Test format, and Bangladesh’s conditions are ideal for them to enrich their records even further. So, Bangladesh bats need to be a bit cautious while playing against them. Pacer Vishwa Fernando could also provide breakthroughs for the visitors when needed.

Probable Playing XI               

Top Order: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Middle-Orders: Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Lower-Order: Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando 

Weather Prediction and Pitch Report

There is a strong possibility of rain with thunderstorms on the first two days of the match. Therefore, the persistent rain could interrupt the play. The weather conditions could improve from day three. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium is not a batting-paradise ground; rather, it can be recognized as a sporting venue. Batters feel confident playing big innings here. The toss-winning captain may opt to bat first at this venue in order to put up a big total on board.

Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams

Bottom Line

The BAN vs SL first Test 2022 is crucial for both the participating teams in order to stay dominant in the series. The winning team of the first Test will start as favourites prior to the second match at SBNCS, Dhaka. Besides, each match consists of 12 points in the ICC’s World Test Championship (2021–2023).

Sri Lanka have a strong record in Tests over Bangladesh. So, they will be hoping to continue their dominance over them. However, this Sri Lankan squad is relatively less-experienced and the hosts have a genuine chance to make a new history. Bangladesh can win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time ever. There is much to play for both teams in this bilateral Test series.

Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh