Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Prediction, Standings, Players: 5/7/2025

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to clash in the second One Day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, following the home side’s victory in the series opener. With the three-match series on the line, Sri Lanka will be looking to secure a series win, while Bangladesh aims to recover from a disappointing collapse in the first match.

Momentum with Hosts, But Batting Remains an Area of Focus

In the first ODI, Sri Lanka bounced back from an early top-order stumble thanks to a composed century by captain Charith Asalanka, who led the recovery from the middle order. Despite losing wickets early, the hosts posted a competitive total on a pitch that heavily favoured bowlers.

The Lankan batting unit, featuring Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top, struggled initially, but middle-order players like Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage provided necessary stability. Liyanage, although relatively new to international cricket, has shown promise with four fifties and a century in 19 ODI innings. Lower down the order, all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Milan Rathnayake contribute depth in both batting and bowling.

Hasaranga was instrumental in the first game, delivering an impressive bowling spell of 4 for 10 in 8 overs, reaffirming his impact in spin-friendly conditions. With Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando also in the lineup, Sri Lanka possesses a varied attack suited for the Premadasa surface.

Sri Lanka’s expected playing XI includes: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, and Asitha Fernando.

Bangladesh Searches for Stability After Batting Collapse

Bangladesh enters this match looking to recover from a batting performance that unraveled in the first ODI. Chasing 245, they were well-positioned at 100 for 2 but lost momentum rapidly, folding for 167. This came after a similarly disappointing loss in the second Test of the tour.

On a pitch where runs are hard to come by, a score in the range of 260 can be highly competitive. Bangladesh’s batting lineup, anchored by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Towhid Hridoy, will need to shoulder greater responsibility. These three form the backbone of the team’s middle-order, and their performance could determine the outcome of the match.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, positioned at number six, also contributes with the bat and leads a bowling unit that includes experienced names like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. Taskin was the standout bowler in the first ODI, claiming 4 for 47. Spinners Tanvir Islam and Mehidy himself provide variety, though the team lacks the spin depth of the hosts.

Bangladesh’s likely XI features: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.

Conditions and Strategic Considerations

Weather forecasts suggest a high probability of scattered thunderstorms around match time, with further showers possible later in the evening. Interruption or a shortened match is likely. The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium has continued its recent trend of favouring bowlers, with variable bounce and grip supporting spinners. The average first innings score in ODIs at this venue is around 233, but scores in the 260–270 range are typically enough to control the game, especially under pressure.

Historically, teams batting first have had more success at this venue, with 97 wins compared to 68 for chasing sides. The highest successful chase recorded here was 292, accomplished by Sri Lanka in 2022, largely thanks to a commanding century from Pathum Nissanka.

Given the surface characteristics and historical data, the toss-winning captain is expected to opt to bat first and take advantage of the drier early conditions.

Prediction

The contest promises to be tightly contested, but Sri Lanka holds the edge with home conditions in their favour and a balanced team that has already found rhythm in the series. Their spin depth and recent form at the venue bolster their chances.

Bangladesh will need to significantly improve their middle-order stability and bowling discipline to level the series. Based on current form and venue advantage, Sri Lanka is expected to emerge victorious in the second ODI.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win