Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 1st ODI Preview (July 2, 2025)
Date: July 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 GMT / 2:30 PM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Series: Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025
Format: One Day International (ODI)
Live Streaming: Sony Liv, Fancode
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India)
Match Context
The eagerly anticipated 1st ODI of the Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 kicks off on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. This encounter marks the start of a 3-match ODI series between two of the finest emerging teams in world cricket – Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka, coming off a resounding 2-0 Test series victory, is in a strong position to build momentum in the limited-overs format. With the R. Premadasa Stadium hosting the match, the home side will look to leverage their experience and home advantage to make a strong statement ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team will also be keen to identify consistent performers for the global event.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is in a transitional phase, with several senior players retiring and a new captain in Mehidy Hasan Miraz leading the charge. The Tigers will be eager to prove their mettle in Sri Lanka, a country where they have historically struggled to find consistent success.
Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other 57 times in ODIs, with Sri Lanka dominating the series with 43 wins, compared to Bangladesh's 12. There have been two no-result matches. This record will undoubtedly be in the back of Bangladeshi players' minds as they prepare to take on the hosts.
Venue & Pitch Conditions
R. Premadasa Stadium is known for its spin-friendly surface, which often plays a significant role in the outcome of the match. The pitch tends to assist spinners as the game progresses, making it a crucial factor in both batting and bowling strategies.
Weather Forecast
The weather is expected to be humid with a 73% chance of rain, which could potentially affect the start or even result in a reduction in overs. The temperature is forecasted to range between 26°C and 31°C, with a high chance of cloud cover, which might favor batsmen in the initial overs.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (11):
- Pathum Nisanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk)
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Asitha Fernando
Bangladesh (11):
- Naim Sheikh
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Towhid Hridoy
- Jaker Ali
- Litton Das (wk)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c)
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Nahid Rana
Match Prediction
With a spin-friendly pitch and the home advantage, Sri Lanka is the firm favorite to win this match. The team has a strong batting lineup and a potent spin attack that can exploit the conditions. A total of 250-260 runs could be the benchmark for the game, with the chasing side needing to remain composed under pressure.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nisanka: The opening batsman will aim to set the tone with a solid start.
- Charith Asalanka: The middle-order anchor and captain will be crucial for stability.
- Wanindu Hasaranga & Maheesh Theekshana: The spin duo is expected to dominate in the middle and death overs.
- Asitha Fernando: The fast-medium pacer will be key in the initial overs to break partnerships.
Bangladesh:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto: The experienced opener will need to lead the charge in the top order.
- Towhid Hridoy: The young all-rounder can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The new captain will be pivotal with the ball, especially in the middle overs.
- Taskin Ahmed: The pace spearhead will look to trouble the Sri Lankan batters upfront.
Best Performer Predictions
- Best Batsman (Sri Lanka): Pathum Nisanka or Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Best Batsman (Bangladesh): Najmul Hossain Shanto or Naim Sheikh
- Best Bowler (Sri Lanka): Wanindu Hasaranga or Asitha Fernando
- Best Bowler (Bangladesh): Mehidy Hasan Miraz or Taskin Ahmed
Conclusion
This match promises to be an exciting start to the ODI series. Sri Lanka, with their home advantage and a historically dominant record, are strong favorites. However, Bangladesh, under new leadership and with a talented squad, will look to put up a strong challenge. The spin-friendly pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium will play a critical role, and the team that adapts better to the conditions is likely to emerge victorious.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win by 30-40 runs.
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Right then, let’s have a look at this. Sri Lanka, eh? Historically, they’re a strong outfit against Bangladesh, and that R. Premadasa pitch always favors the spinners. Given the conditions and the home advantage, I’m putting my money on Sri Lanka. A solid 260 might be a good benchmark, but Bangladesh will need a monumental effort to chase it down. I’m backing Sri Lanka to win by a comfortable margin, perhaps 35-45 runs. A bit of rain could throw a spanner in the works, but I’m still leaning towards the Lions. Good luck to both teams, but my analysis points firmly towards a Sri Lankan victory. 🏏💰
Right then, let’s have a look at this. Sri Lanka, eh? Historically, they’re a strong outfit against Bangladesh, and that R. Premadasa pitch always favors the spinners. Given the conditions and the home advantage, I’m putting my rupees on Sri Lanka. They’ve got the spin attack to strangle Bangladesh’s batting. I’m thinking a comfortable win for the Lankans, maybe around 35-45 runs. Just a bit of rain could spice things up, mind you. But overall, Sri Lanka looks like a solid bet. Good luck to those backing Bangladesh, but I’m sticking with the home team. 🏏💰👍
Ag Shame, this article is spot on! Sri Lanka’s got the home advantage and that pitch will be a spinner’s paradise. Bangladesh will need a miracle to pull this one off, especially with that head-to-head record staring them in the face. I’m backing Sri Lanka to win comfortably, maybe by 35-45 runs. Those spinners – Hasaranga and Theekshana – will be the key. Hope Bangladesh brought their A-game, hey! 🏏🇿🇼