Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to renew their rivalry in the shortest format as they face off in the first T20I of a three-match series at the Pallekele International Stadium on Thursday, July 10.
The hosts come into the series high on confidence after clinching the two-match Test series 1-0 and following it up with a 2-1 triumph in the ODIs. With the T20Is marking the final leg of the tour, Sri Lanka will aim to complete a clean sweep across all formats.
For Bangladesh, the T20I series offers a chance to reset and bounce back after a tough tour so far. Both sides will be keen to fine-tune their squads, identify key performers, and build momentum in the format with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Here, we explore head-to-head stats, standout performers with bat and ball, and key betting insights ahead of what promises to be an exciting series.
Head-to-head stats for Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh in T20
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other 17 times in T20 Internationals since their first encounter on September 18, 2007. Out of these, Sri Lanka have dominated the rivalry with 11 wins, while Bangladesh have managed to come out on top in 6 matches.
Their most recent clash came on June 8, 2024, and the upcoming series promises another exciting chapter in this closely contested T20 rivalry.
- Total matches played: 17
- Sri Lanka won: 11
- Bangladesh won: 6
SL vs BAN: Expected lineups
- Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.
- Bangladesh (BAN): Litton Kumar Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Match predictions and betting tips
The first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is set to be an intriguing contest, with the hosts carrying strong momentum from their Test and ODI series wins.
Sri Lanka look well-balanced in all departments, with key players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Charith Asalanka forming a solid core. Their depth in bowling, featuring the pace duo of Mathisha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, gives them a decisive edge, especially on home soil.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are seeking a fresh start after a string of T20I losses, including a 0-3 whitewash against Pakistan. With Liton Das leading the side and senior players like Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rahman in the squad, the visitors will hope to turn things around.
TSN’s top betting tips:
- Wanindu Hasaranga to take 2+ wickets – The leg-spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series and is a proven match-winner in T20Is, especially in home conditions.
- Pathum Nissanka to score 30+ runs – In-form and consistent at the top of the order, Nissanka has a strong record at home and is likely to anchor the innings.
- Sri Lanka to win the match – Given their current momentum and Bangladesh’s recent T20I struggles, backing the hosts for a win is a solid bet.
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Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Players to watch
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka): Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka will be a key figure in the opening T20I. Asalanka brings a blend of composure and aggression to the middle order with 1247 runs in 57 innings. His ability to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring rate when needed makes him a vital anchor for the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): For Bangladesh, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be one to watch. A proven performer in T20 cricket, Mustafizur has taken 134 wickets in 107 innings, with an impressive economy rate of 7.48. His variations and ability to bowl tight overs, especially at the death, will be key in containing Sri Lanka’s power-hitters.
SL vs BAN: Betting odds and Tips, 1st T20
According to Dafabet, Sri Lanka are the clear favourites to win the first T20I with odds of 1.45, while Bangladesh are the underdogs at 2.74. These odds reflect Sri Lanka’s strong recent form and home advantage.
Odds | |
Sri Lanka | 1.35 |
Bangladesh | 3.21 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
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Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Pitch and weather report
The pitch at the Pallekele International Stadium is traditionally one of the best batting surfaces in Sri Lanka, with an average first-innings T20I score hovering around 173. While both chasing and defending sides have found success here, the key lies in adapting to the conditions quickly.
MORE: Full pitch report and T20 records for Pallekele International Stadium
The new ball may offer some early seam and swing movement, but as the game progresses, spinners are likely to come into play with grip and turn, especially under typically dry Pallekele conditions. Set batters can score big once they get their eye in, but staying in long enough to do so may be a challenge against quality spin.
As for the weather, matchday conditions are expected to be favourable for cricket. Although there is a slight chance of rain in the evening, it is unlikely to impact the match significantly.
SL vs BAN 1st T20 Live Streaming: Where to watch in India?
The highly anticipated first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at 7:00 PM IST. For viewers in India, the match will be exclusively live-streamed on FanCode, accessible via both the app and website.