The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has reached its thrilling finale, with the series decider set to be played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 PM IST. With the scoreline level at 1-1, both teams will be desperate to end this fiercely contested tour on a high.
Tour So Far
Sri Lanka began the series in commanding fashion, claiming a seven-wicket win in the opening T20I, thanks largely to a classy 73-run knock by Kusal Mendis. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the chase to perfection, demonstrating why he remains one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable batters in white-ball cricket. However, the visiting Bangla Tigers made an emphatic comeback in the second T20I. Skipper Litton Das led from the front with a fluent 76-run innings, while their bowlers executed their plans brilliantly to secure a massive 83-run victory.
For Bangladesh, this series is more than just about T20Is. After disappointing results in the preceding Test and ODI series, where they were unable to register a single series win, this final T20I offers them a chance for redemption and a morale boost before they head home.
Match Details
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Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I (Series Decider)
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Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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Date & Time: Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 PM (IST)
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Live Telecast & Streaming: Sony Sports Network & FanCode (App & Website)
Pitch Report
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium has traditionally favoured spin bowlers, and this match is likely to be no different. The surface tends to slow down as the game progresses, which makes chasing tricky under lights. Captains winning the toss should ideally look to bat first, post a competitive total, and let their spinners control proceedings in the middle overs. Batters will need to apply themselves, particularly when the ball grips off the surface.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20Is, Sri Lanka hold the edge over Bangladesh.
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Matches Played: 19
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Won by Sri Lanka: 12
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Won by Bangladesh: 7
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First-ever T20I: September 17, 2007
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Most Recent T20I: July 16, 2025 (this fixture)
While Sri Lanka’s historical record looks superior, Bangladesh’s recent resurgence shows they cannot be taken lightly.
Team Overviews & Key Players
Sri Lanka:
The hosts have looked solid at home, with key batters like Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), and Pathum Nissanka forming the core of their batting unit. With Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando capable of providing quick starts, Sri Lanka will be confident of putting up a strong total. Their spin department, featuring Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, will play a huge role on this surface.
Bangladesh:
The visitors will bank heavily on Litton Das, who has led from the front both with the bat and as captain. Openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim will be expected to provide stability at the top. All-rounders like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and bowlers like Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam will be key in controlling the middle overs and finishing strongly.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka:
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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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Dasun Shanaka
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Chamika Karunaratne
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Jeffrey Vandersay
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Maheesh Theekshana
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Binura Fernando
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Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh:
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Parvez Hossain Emon
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Tanzid Hasan Tamim
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Litton Das (c & wk)
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Towhid Hridoy
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Jaker Ali
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Shamim Hossain
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz
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Mohammad Saifuddin
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Rishad Hossain
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Shoriful Islam
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Mustafizur Rahman
Probable Scenarios
If Sri Lanka bat first, expect them to aim for a total in the 160-180 range, leveraging the batting-friendly conditions early before the pitch slows down. For Bangladesh, early wickets will be vital to disrupt the Lankan top order and put pressure on their middle order. Conversely, if Bangladesh bat first, they will hope Litton Das can replicate his heroics from the second match and get support from Towhid Hridoy and Miraz to put up a defendable total.
Spinners are likely to be the game-changers in the second innings, so whichever side bowls second must use their spin attack wisely.
Match Prediction
On paper and considering the conditions, Sri Lanka start as slight favourites thanks to their stronger spin attack and home advantage. However, Bangladesh’s ability to bounce back, combined with Litton Das’s current form, makes them very dangerous. If their middle order steps up again and the bowlers stick to tight lines, an upset is very much possible.
Prediction: A close contest, but Sri Lanka might edge it 2-1 if they bat first and their spinners click. However, Bangladesh have shown they can surprise, and a series win for them would be a fitting end to what has been a hard-fought tour.