Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd T20I Preview – 13 July 2025, Dambulla

Match Details

Date: 13 July 2025
Time: 14:30 GMT
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Format: T20I (Second of Three)
Series: Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025

Match Context

The second T20I in the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh takes place in Dambulla, a venue known for its balanced nature that rewards both bat and ball. The hosts, Sri Lanka, have already secured a convincing win in the opening encounter in Kandy, chasing down 154/5 with 7 wickets to spare, thanks to explosive starts and composed middle-order contributions.

For Bangladesh, it's a chance to bounce back and set the tone for the remainder of the series. The visitors struggled with their batting in the first match, and their bowlers were left with little to do against a rampant Sri Lankan opener. With the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka's favor, the Bangla Tigers will be eager to turn the tide in this crucial second match.

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Probable XI:
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk)
Middle Order: Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (c)
Tail: Chamika Karunaratne
Bowlers: Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Key Points:

• Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis formed a devastating 78-run opening stand in the first T20I, with Mendis scoring a match-winning half-century in just 27 balls.
• The middle order, led by Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka, will be expected to provide stability and accelerate when needed.
• Sri Lanka's bowling attack is well-balanced with a mix of pace and spin. Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana have been particularly effective with the ball.

Bangladesh Playing XI

Probable XI:
Openers: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon
Middle Order: Litton Das (c & wk), Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Tail: Shamim Hossain
Bowlers: Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Key Points:

• The Bangla Tigers' openers have struggled to build partnerships, scoring just 28 runs in the first over of the first T20I. Emon and Hasan will need to be more aggressive in this match.
• Litton Das, Mohammad Naim, and Towhid Hridoy are expected to carry the middle order, but they need to convert starts into big scores.
• The bowling unit, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin, will have the task of curbing the Sri Lankan openers who are in lethal form.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Pathum Nissanka vs Bangladesh's Bowlers
   The Sri Lankan opener is in scintillating form, and the Bangla Tigers' bowlers will have their hands full trying to contain him early in the innings.

2. Tanzid Hasan vs Kusal Mendis
   A battle between two opening batsmen who are yet to establish consistency. How they fare could set the tone for the entire match.

3. Maheesh Theekshana vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz
   The spin duel between these two will be crucial, especially in the middle overs. Both have the ability to take wickets and control the flow of runs.

Weather and Venue Conditions

Dambulla is typically a batting-friendly track, with a quick outfield and a helpful surface for spinners. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with no rain or humidity to disrupt the match. A total in the range of 170-190 is expected, depending on the bowlers' execution.

Predictions

Sri Lanka's dominant start in the series and the Dambulla track favor the bat, but Bangladesh will be determined to avoid a whitewash. If the Bangla Tigers can get their openers to fire and their bowlers to execute plans effectively, they could push for a win.

Prediction:
Sri Lanka to win by a narrow margin, but Bangladesh have the potential to surprise if they can replicate Sri Lanka's aggressive approach and capitalise on key moments.

How to Watch

Live Score & Commentary: CricketWorld
Live Streaming: Available on official cricket streaming platforms in your region.
Time: 14:30 GMT / 19:30 IST / 10:00 AM AEST

Final Thoughts:

This second T20I promises to be a thrilling contest, with Sri Lanka looking to extend their dominance and Bangladesh aiming to make a statement. The battle between the openers and the effectiveness of the spinners could be the difference in a closely fought match.

Cricket fans around the world can look forward to an exciting clash under the Dambulla lights.
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