Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I Match Preview (16 July 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
• Date: 16 July 2025
• Time: 14:30 GMT / 20:00 SRI Local Time
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Series: Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 (T20I Series)
• Format: T20I (3rd of 3)
• Toss Prediction: Team winning the toss is expected to bowl first
• Win Probability: Sri Lanka 66% | Bangladesh 34%

Match Preview

The third and final T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh promises to be a thrilling decider in a tightly contested series. After two exciting encounters, the series is currently at 1-1, with both teams having tasted victory. The match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be crucial for both sides aiming to secure the series.

Sri Lanka: Home Advantage and Strong Depth

Sri Lanka have been in excellent form throughout the tour, particularly in the T20I series. After a 7-wicket win in the first match, they found themselves on the back foot in the second T20I, where they were bowled out for a mere 94 by a resolute Bangladesh side. However, the hosts have the benefit of home advantage, a balanced squad, and a pitch that has historically played well for spin in the middle overs.

Key players to watch for Sri Lanka include Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka (all-rounder), and Maheesh Theekshana (off-spinner), who has been in great form. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis is crucial for a solid start, while the middle order will need contributions from Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera to post a competitive total.

The bowling attack, led by Theekshana, includes Binura Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Nuwan Thushara, who provide a mix of pace and spin. The spinners are expected to play a vital role, especially in the middle overs, on a pitch that offers assistance to the slower bowlers.

Bangladesh: Resilient and Rebounding

Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the second T20I with a clinical 83-run win, thanks to a commanding batting performance and disciplined bowling. The middle order has been the team's strength, with Litton Das (captain and wicketkeeper) and Shamim Hossain leading the charge. Litton’s explosive 50 in the second match was the turning point, and his leadership and batting prowess will be vital again.

The opening pair of Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan has struggled to consistently get the team off to a strong start, but the middle order has compensated well. Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali have both shown promise in the middle overs and can be the difference-makers.

In the bowling department, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman have been in excellent form, particularly in the death overs. The Bangladeshi fast bowlers were instrumental in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting line-up in the second game, and they will look to repeat the performance.

Pitch and Weather Report

• Pitch: The R. Premadasa Stadium has a balanced pitch that offers moderate assistance to spinners in the middle overs. A total of 170+ is considered a winning score here.
• Weather: Scattered thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. There is a chance of rain-induced delays or interruptions, which could lead to a revised target if the match is affected.

Head-to-Head and Previous Match Highlights

• 1st T20I (Kandy, 10 July 2025): Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
  • SL: 159/3 in 19 overs
  • BAN: 154/5 in 20 overs
• 2nd T20I (Dambulla, 13 July 2025): Bangladesh won by 83 runs
  • SL: 94/10 in 15.2 overs
  • BAN: 177/7 in 20 overs

Key Battle Areas

1. Openers' Performance: Sri Lanka’s openers have the edge, but Bangladesh’s middle order is the team's strength.
2. Spin vs Batsmen: The middle overs will be crucial, with Sri Lanka's spinners looking to exploit the pitch.
3. Death Overs Bowling: Bangladesh's fast bowlers, especially Rishad and Mustafizur, can be match-winners.
4. Captaincy Decisions: Both captains will need to make smart tactical calls, especially under pressure.

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka will go into this match as strong favorites, given their home advantage, balanced squad, and the pitch's conditions. However, Bangladesh have shown great resilience and are capable of pulling off a shocker. The team batting second will likely face pressure due to the weather conditions, and the toss could be a decisive factor.

Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka
Toss Prediction: Team winning the toss will bowl first
Expected Score: 170+

FAQs

Q1. Who will win the 3rd T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
A1. Sri Lanka is the slight favorite, but Bangladesh are a strong contender.

Q2. What is the toss prediction?
A2. The toss is expected to be won and decided to bowl first.

Q3. Who are the key players to watch?
A3. Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka
Bangladesh: Litton Das, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain

Q4. What is the expected score for this match?
A4. A total of 170+ is expected.

Q5. Will there be any weather interruptions?
A5. There is a possibility of rain-induced delays, but the match is expected to proceed.

Final Thoughts

The 3rd T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is a must-watch for cricket fans. With both teams evenly matched and the match likely to go down to the wire, it promises to be an exciting and nail-biting encounter at one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.
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