Decisive T20I Clash: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh on July 16, 2025
Match Overview
The final T20I in the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is set for July 16, 2025, at 07:00 PM. This crucial match will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with the series tied after the first two encounters.
Sri Lanka's Performance
Sri Lanka kicked off the series impressively, successfully chasing down 154 runs in the opening T20I. The explosive partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, who scored 78 runs in under five overs, set the tone. Nissanka contributed 42 runs off 16 balls, while Mendis scored 73 off 51, making the chase appear straightforward.
However, the second match was a different story. Mendis was run out early, and the batting lineup struggled under pressure, ultimately falling short by 83 runs. The bowlers also struggled to contain Bangladesh's scoring.
As they head into the final match, Sri Lanka needs a stronger bowling performance and more consistency from their middle-order batsmen. If the openers can replicate their previous success, they could dominate the game.
Bangladesh's Resilience
In the second T20I held in Dambulla, Bangladesh showcased their fighting spirit. Despite losing early wickets, captain Litton Das played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings, forming key partnerships with Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain to set a competitive total.
The bowlers then took charge, with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain claiming three wickets. Shoriful Islam and Saifuddin also contributed significantly, ensuring Sri Lanka could not settle into their chase.
With the momentum on their side, Bangladesh aims to carry this energy into the final match. If Litton can perform again and the bowlers stick to their strategies, they have a strong chance of clinching the series.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is known for favoring spin bowlers, making it crucial for teams to utilize their spinners effectively. Batting second is likely to be advantageous on this surface.
Weather forecasts indicate clear skies with temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. While thunderstorms are possible, they are not expected to disrupt the match.
Head-to-Head Statistics
| SL vs BAN head-to-head (in T20Is) | |
| Matches Played | 19 |
| Won by Sri Lanka | 12 |
| Won by Bangladesh | 7 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
Probable XI for the Final T20I
- 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: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Kusal Mendis | SL: Mendis has significant experience in T20 cricket and has performed well against Bangladesh, scoring 81 runs in the last two matches.
- Litton Das | BAN: With 2243 runs in 101 T20I innings, Das is a seasoned player. He scored 76 runs in the previous match and is expected to contribute again.
Top Batters
- Pathum Nissanka | SL: Nissanka has scored 74 runs in the series so far and will be crucial in the final match.
- Towhid Hridoy | BAN: Hridoy has 837 runs in 37 T20I innings and aims to improve on his last performance of 31 runs.
Top All-Rounders
- Charith Asalanka | SL: Although he hasn't made a significant impact yet, Asalanka has the potential to change the game.
- Rishad Hossain | BAN: Hossain has been in excellent form, taking crucial wickets and contributing runs in the lower order.
Top Bowlers
- Nuwan Thushara | SL: Thushara has taken 28 wickets in 20 T20I matches and will be vital on a bowling-friendly pitch.
- Maheesh Theekshana | SL: Theekshana has consistently performed well against Bangladesh and will be a key player in this match.