Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will lock horns in the first match of the three-match ODI series on July 2, 2025, at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST and promises to deliver competitive cricket as both teams look to make a strong start to this limited-overs leg.
Match Details
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Date: July 2, 2025
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Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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Time: 2:30 PM IST
Team Overviews
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka enters the ODI series with renewed confidence, having recently clinched the second Test against Bangladesh. Charith Asalanka will lead a young but promising squad that mixes experienced players like Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga with rising talents such as Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis. The team’s batting lineup looks solid with Avishka Fernando, Nissanka, and Samarawickrama expected to anchor the innings, while the spin duo of Theekshana and Hasaranga can exploit conditions in Colombo.
Bangladesh:
On the other side, Bangladesh will be led by all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who now shoulders the responsibility of captaining a side missing a few senior names. However, there is no shortage of young talent. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Towhid Hridoy will be key figures in the batting department, while the pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, will look to find early breakthroughs. Bangladesh’s bowling will rely heavily on how their spinners, led by Mehidy himself, perform on a turning track.
Key Players to Watch
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Sri Lanka:
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Pathum Nissanka: Coming off a rich vein of form with consecutive Test centuries, Nissanka’s consistency will be vital at the top.
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Charith Asalanka: The captain will have to marshal the middle order and anchor the innings under pressure.
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Maheesh Theekshana: His ability to bowl economically and pick wickets during crucial phases makes him a genuine threat.
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Bangladesh:
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz: As captain and lead spinner, Mehidy’s all-round performance could determine Bangladesh’s chances.
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Najmul Hossain Shanto: The experienced batter must anchor innings in a relatively young side.
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Taskin Ahmed: His pace and bounce will test Sri Lanka’s top order early on.
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Key Battles
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Pathum Nissanka vs Taskin Ahmed: Taskin will try to exploit any early swing or seam movement, while Nissanka will aim to continue his impressive form.
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Kamindu Mendis vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Kamindu’s middle-order stability could face a stern test against Miraz’s tight off-spin.
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Litton Das vs Maheesh Theekshana: Litton, one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batters, will need to navigate Theekshana’s variations effectively.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain
Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shared an intense rivalry in ODIs in recent years. While Sri Lanka holds an overall upper hand historically, Bangladesh has produced upsets, especially at home and on neutral venues. However, playing in Sri Lankan conditions has traditionally favored the hosts, with their spinners often outplaying Bangladesh’s batters.
Pitch Report
The R Premadasa Stadium pitch is generally batting-friendly with a bit of help for spinners as the game progresses. Early on, seamers might get some swing under humid Colombo conditions. A total of 270+ should be a competitive score here, considering the slower nature of the outfield and potential rain interruptions.
Weather Report
The weather could play spoilsport, with a 73% chance of rain forecasted during the game. The temperature is expected to hover between 26°C and 31°C with high humidity, which might make conditions a bit challenging for the players.
Probable Scenarios
If Sri Lanka bats first and posts a solid score, their strong spin attack could choke Bangladesh in the chase. On the other hand, Bangladesh would like to bowl first under overcast conditions to utilize their pace battery before letting the spinners take control in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
Given Sri Lanka’s momentum from the Test series win, familiarity with home conditions, and a more balanced squad, they start as favorites for the first ODI. However, Bangladesh’s young side has nothing to lose and could spring a surprise if key players like Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed deliver standout performances. Expect a tight contest if rain stays away.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the first ODI but expect Bangladesh to fight hard, especially if their bowling attack gets early breakthroughs.