Match Details
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Match: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I
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Date: 13th July 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM IST
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Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are set to clash once again in what promises to be a thrilling second encounter of this 3-match T20I series at the iconic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka currently leads the series 1-0, having convincingly defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets in the first T20I. Now, the hosts will look to wrap up the series, while the visitors will aim to bounce back and level things up.
Teams Overview
Sri Lanka:
The Sri Lankan team, under the captaincy of Charith Asalanka, has shown great form on their home turf. In the first match, they displayed composure with both bat and ball. Kusal Mendis played a match-winning knock, scoring 73 runs and setting the tone for the chase. With a balanced side featuring experienced batters like Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka, and match-winning bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana, the hosts look well-settled. Their middle-order depth and bowling variations make them favourites at home.
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have a lot to work on. Despite having a power-packed batting line-up with Litton Das leading from the front, they struggled to put up a competitive total in the first T20I. Their bowlers, especially Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, will need to step up to contain the aggressive Sri Lankan batters. With young players like Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan in the line-up, the Tigers will be hoping for improved performances from their youngsters.
Key Players To Watch
Sri Lanka:
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Kusal Mendis: His knock of 73 runs in the first match was crucial. He will be key again as an opener.
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Pathum Nissanka: Provided stability at the top with a steady 42 runs.
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Maheesh Theekshana: His clever variations can trouble Bangladesh’s middle order.
Bangladesh:
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Litton Das: The captain and wicketkeeper-batter remains Bangladesh’s biggest hope. His experience and aggressive approach will be vital.
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Mustafizur Rahman: With over 130 T20I wickets, the left-arm pacer’s cutters and slower balls can break crucial partnerships.
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz: A handy all-rounder who can make breakthroughs and add depth with the bat.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20Is, Sri Lanka have historically held the edge over Bangladesh. Playing at home gives them further advantage, as they are familiar with the conditions at Pallekele. Bangladesh will need an inspired performance to reverse their fortunes.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers good bounce and carry. It remains batting-friendly in the first innings but tends to favour spinners as the game progresses under lights. Dew can also play a part, making it easier to chase targets. A first-innings score of around 170-190 runs will be competitive on this surface.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka Predicted XI
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Pathum Nissanka
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Kusal Mendis (wk)
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Kusal Perera
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Avishka Fernando
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Charith Asalanka (c)
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Kamindu Mendis
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Jeffrey Vandersay
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Dunith Wellalage
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Maheesh Theekshana
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Binura Fernando
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Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh Predicted XI
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Tanzid Hasan
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Parvez Hossain Emon
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Litton Das (c & wk)
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Towhid Hridoy
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Shamim Hossain
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Jaker Ali
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz
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Mahedi Hasan
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Tanzim Hasan Sakib
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Rishad Hossain
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Mustafizur Rahman
Complete Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
Bangladesh Squad
Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Probable Scenarios
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If Sri Lanka bats first: They are expected to score around 175-195 runs. Their batting depth and aggressive approach can help them post a competitive total.
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If Bangladesh bats first: The Tigers may struggle to reach a big score but are expected to score around 130-150 runs. To win, they will need a special effort from their bowlers.
Match Prediction
Given Sri Lanka’s form, home advantage, and the way they dominated in the first T20I, they remain favourites to win this clash as well. Bangladesh will need their seniors to fire and their bowling attack to click as a unit if they want to stay alive in the series.
Who Will Win? Sri Lanka are predicted to win the 2nd T20I, likely by 20-40 runs if they bat first or by 7 wickets if they chase.
With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect another exciting T20 contest under the Pallekele lights!