The T20I series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is set for an exciting finale as both teams head into the third and final match with the series tied 1-1. The decider will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, July 16.
Sri Lanka started the series strong, securing a seven-wicket win in the opener, powered by a classy 73-run knock from Kusal Mendis. However, Bangladesh responded in the second T20I, with captain Litton Das leading from the front with a match-winning 76 and a disciplined bowling display that earned them an 83-run victory.
The stage is set for a thrilling series decider with both sides showing flashes of brilliance. Bangladesh will be desperate to cap off their tour with a T20I series win after losses in the Test and ODI legs, while Sri Lanka will aim to finish on a high in front of their home crowd.
Head-to-head record: Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh in T20I
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other 19 times in T20 internationals, with the Lankan Lions holding a clear advantage. Sri Lanka have won 12 of those encounters, while Bangladesh have emerged victorious on 7 occasions.
- Matches Played: 19
- Won By Sri Lanka: 12
- Won By Bangladesh: 7
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
As Sri Lanka and Bangladesh prepare for the series decider, a few key players are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome.
Batters
Kusal Mendis (SL): He has been a standout performer for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh, scoring 523 runs in just 11 T20Is at an explosive strike rate of 159.93. His consistency and ability to dominate the powerplay make him a major threat.
Litton Das (BAN): Litton Das has been Bangladesh’s batting mainstay in 2024, maintaining a healthy strike rate of 132.73. His leadership and form at the top will be vital in the high-pressure finale.
Bowlers
Maheesh Theekshana (SL): Maheesh Theekshana has been a reliable wicket-taker at home, with 25 wickets in home T20Is at an average of 21.48. His variations in the middle overs can be game-changing.
Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): Bangladesh’s bowling hopes rest heavily on Mustafizur Rahman, who continues to impress with 63 wickets in the powerplay and an excellent record at the death, averaging just 15.71. His experience and skill will be crucial in containing Sri Lanka’s strong batting unit.
SL vs. BAN betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to the latest odds by Dafabet, Sri Lanka are the clear favorites heading into the series decider, with odds of 1.47 compared to Bangladesh’s 2.69. The hosts have been dominant at home and boast a strong head-to-head record, which justifies their edge in the betting markets.
But, Bangladesh's emphatic win in the second T20I proves they can't be written off. While Sri Lanka hold the advantage on paper, the final outcome will depend on who handles the pressure better in this high-stakes clash.
Odds | |
Sri Lanka | 1.47 |
Bangladesh | 2.69 |
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Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh: Expected playing XIs and Team News
Sri Lanka Team News
Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back in the series decider after a disappointing performance in the second T20I, where they were bowled out for just 94 runs in 15.2 overs. Their top-order collapse, including the early dismissal of in-form Kusal Mendis, proved costly.
The batting lineup failed to show resistance in the second match despite a strong 78-run opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka (42) and Mendis (73) in the first game. Nissanka tried to anchor the chase but lacked support from the middle and lower order.
Kusal Mendis remains the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the series with 81 runs, while left-arm pacer Binura Fernando has been the leading wicket-taker with 3 scalps. Sri Lanka may consider minor changes or reshuffle the batting order to strengthen their response against Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack.
Sri Lanka (Predicted XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, and Nuwan Thushara.
Bangladesh Team News
Bangladesh head into the final T20I with renewed confidence after a dominant 83-run victory in the second game. Captain Litton Das led from the front with a commanding 76 off 50 balls, while Shamim Hossain Patwari chipped in with a quickfire 48 to guide the team to a competitive total of 177/7.
The bowling unit was clinical, with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain grabbing 3 key wickets, dismantling Sri Lanka's chase and emerging as the top wicket-taker of the series so far with 4 wickets.
Despite early setbacks with Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon falling cheaply, Bangladesh’s middle order showed strength and composure. Litton Das, who is also the team's leading run-scorer in the series with 82 runs, will again be the key figure at the top.
Bangladesh are unlikely to make many changes for the decider and will look to replicate their second T20I performance to clinch the series and end the tour on a high.
Bangladesh (Predicted XI): Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (captain and wicket-keeper), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.
SL vs. BAN live scorecard
To follow the action between Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Parimatch's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted site.
Where to watch Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh Live
- Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Date & Time (IST): July 16, 2025 (Wednesday), 7 PM
- Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: Sony Sports Network and FanCode app and website
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