Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Preview of the 3rd T20 Match
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (SL vs BAN), 3rd T20 Match, Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, 2025
Date and Time: July 16, 01:30 pm GMT / 07:30 pm BD / 07:00 pm local time
Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Preview
Sri Lanka is gearing up to take on Bangladesh in the 3rd T20 match of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, 2025. The match is set to be held at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on July 16.
After securing victories in the Test and ODI series, Sri Lanka is aiming for a clean sweep as they enter the T20Is. Captain Charith Asalanka is counting on his batsmen to step up and deliver impactful performances to seal the series.
In the previous matches, openers played a crucial role in chasing down targets. However, experienced players like Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando need to contribute more in the middle order. Dasun Shanaka’s all-round abilities will be crucial in finishing the innings strongly.
The pitch in Colombo is expected to favor bowlers, putting more pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen to show resilience. With a well-rounded bowling attack led by Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nuwan Thushara, Sri Lanka is well-equipped to challenge Bangladesh.
On the other hand, Bangladesh bounced back in the second T20I with impressive performances from their middle-order batsmen. Captain Litton Das and Shamim Hossain played pivotal roles in securing a series-levelling win.
For Bangladesh to win the decider, their top order needs to establish a solid foundation, while the middle and lower order must continue to deliver match-winning performances. Bowlers like Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam will be key threats in the upcoming match.
Possible Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.
Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Recent Performance and Head-To-Head Records
Sri Lanka Recent Matches: L, L, W, W, L
Bangladesh Recent Matches: L, L, L, L, W
Head-To-Head Records:
StatsMatchSL WonBAN WonNRDrawOverall1912700Recent 5 Matches52300
Toss Prediction and Pitch Report
We predict the team winning the toss will choose to bat first. The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo offers early assistance to seamers before slowing down to favor spinners. Spinners are crucial in the middle overs.
Weather Report
Expect rainy conditions with light to moderate showers continuing into the evening on July 16 at R. Premadasa Stadium. Temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with moderate humidity may impact gameplay.
Full Squad
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
Key Players to Watch
One key player to watch in the upcoming match is Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka. As the captain of the team, Asalanka’s leadership on the field and his ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s success. His all-round skills make him a valuable asset in both batting and bowling departments.
For Bangladesh, Litton Das will be a player to keep an eye on. As the captain and wicketkeeper, Das’s role in guiding the team’s batting lineup and marshaling the field will be essential. His experience in pressure situations could prove decisive in the outcome of the match.
Team Strategies
Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on their strong bowling attack to restrict Bangladesh’s batting lineup. With bowlers like Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara in good form, Sri Lanka will aim to take early wickets and put pressure on Bangladesh from the start.
On the other hand, Bangladesh will focus on building partnerships in their batting innings to set a challenging target for Sri Lanka. The team will rely on their middle-order batsmen, especially Shamim Hossain and Towhid Hridoy, to stabilize the innings and accelerate the run rate towards the end.
Importance of Momentum
Both teams will be aware of the importance of momentum going into the decisive T20 match. Sri Lanka will aim to carry forward the winning momentum from the Test and ODI series to clinch the T20 series as well. On the other hand, Bangladesh will be buoyed by their victory in the second T20I and will look to maintain that momentum to secure the series.
Victory in the T20 series will not only be a matter of pride but also crucial for both teams in terms of rankings and confidence leading into their future fixtures.
Fans’ Expectations
With the series tied at 1-1, fans from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will have high expectations from their respective teams in the final T20 match. The rivalry between the two nations adds an extra layer of excitement to the contest, with fans eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter at the R.Premadasa Stadium.
Supporters will be looking forward to an intense battle between bat and ball, with hopes of witnessing standout performances from their favorite players. The atmosphere at the stadium and the passion of the fans will add to the spectacle of the match.
Conclusion
As Sri Lanka and Bangladesh prepare to face off in the 3rd T20 match, the stage is set for a thrilling contest between two competitive teams. With both sides having their strengths and weaknesses, it promises to be an exciting clash of skills and strategies.
As fans gear up to witness the action unfold at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the outcome of the match will not only determine the series winner but also shape the teams’ trajectory moving forward. With everything to play for, expectations are high as the players take the field for what is sure to be a memorable encounter.
