Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are all set to face off in the first T20I of their three-match series at the picturesque Pallekele International Stadium on Thursday, July 10. The hosts have been in great form across formats, having already clinched the two-match Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1. They will be looking to carry forward this momentum and aim for a clean sweep in the shortest format too.
For Bangladesh, the T20Is offer a chance to start afresh. After a disappointing Test and ODI leg, the visitors will be desperate to bounce back and finish the tour on a positive note. With some exciting young talent in their T20I squad, they will be eager to challenge Sri Lanka in their own backyard.
Match Details
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Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I, Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025
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Venue: Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele
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Date & Time: Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM IST
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Live Broadcast & Streaming: FanCode (app & website)
Teams Overview
Sri Lanka will be full of confidence heading into the T20Is. Skipper Charith Asalanka will look to lead from the front with the bat, supported by key players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, and Kusal Mendis. With finishers like Dasun Shanaka and the all-round brilliance of Wanindu Hasaranga, the hosts have plenty of firepower. Their bowling attack, featuring Maheesh Theekshana’s spin and young quicks like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, gives them the balance needed in T20 cricket.
Bangladesh, under the captaincy of Litton Kumar Das, will be hoping their batters can fire at the top. Players like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy will have an opportunity to prove themselves. Their bowling unit, led by the experienced Mustafizur Rahman along with Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, will need to deliver consistent performances if they want to challenge Sri Lanka on their home turf.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 14
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Won by Sri Lanka: 9
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Won by Bangladesh: 5
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No Result: 0
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First-ever Fixture: September 17, 2007
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Most-recent Fixture: June 08, 2024
Sri Lanka have a clear edge in head-to-head encounters, but Bangladesh have pulled off wins in the past and can never be counted out in the T20 format.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Pallekele International Stadium is known for being balanced. Fast bowlers could get early swing and seam movement with the new ball under lights. However, as the innings progresses, batting usually becomes easier with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Spinners may get some help, especially if they vary their pace and lengths. The toss could be crucial, as batting first and putting up a challenging total might be the best option here.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh: Litton Kumar Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed
Probable Top Performers
Charith Asalanka is expected to be Sri Lanka’s main man with the bat. The left-hander has the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required. He has scored over 1200 T20I runs and will be looking to guide his team to a winning start.
On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman could be the game-changer for Bangladesh. With 134 T20I wickets at an economy of under 7.5, his ability to bowl cutters and yorkers at the death will be vital in restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring.
Possible Match Scenarios
Scenario 1: Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bat first
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Powerplay: 40-50 runs
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Total: 155-165
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Sri Lanka win the match
Scenario 2: Bangladesh win the toss and opt to bat first
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Powerplay: 45-55 runs
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Total: 150-160
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Bangladesh win the match
Today’s Match Prediction
Looking at the pitch conditions and both squads, the team batting first could hold the advantage at Pallekele. Sri Lanka have the upper hand with their current form and depth, but Bangladesh’s hunger to bounce back makes them dangerous opponents. Expect a competitive contest with momentum shifting quickly, as is the nature of T20 cricket.
Prediction: Team batting first to win the match.
With plenty of talent on display and the pressure of a new format, the opening T20I promises an exciting clash. Will Sri Lanka continue their winning streak, or will Bangladesh pull off an upset? Cricket fans will get their answers soon when the action unfolds under the Pallekele lights.