Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Prediction, Standings, Players, Odds: 16/7/2025

With the three-match T20I series locked at 1-1, all eyes now turn to the decisive third match at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. The same venue hosted the first two tightly contested games, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Both sides boast potent bowling lineups, which have heavily influenced the outcomes so far and are likely to be pivotal once again.

Momentum Shifts: One Win Each, One Final Test

Sri Lanka began the series on the front foot, holding Bangladesh to just 154 and chasing it down comfortably. However, the visitors bounced back in the second T20I, defending a robust total by bowling out the hosts for a mere 94. That victory not only evened the series but also marked a morale boost for Bangladesh, with several key players finding form at the right time.

Skipper Litton Das, along with Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain, played vital roles in getting their team to 177 in the second match. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting faltered in the chase, raising concerns heading into the decider.

Both sides are expected to stick with their core players for the final match. Sri Lanka’s top order will look to rebound, while Bangladesh hopes their recent improvements can carry them over the line.

Sri Lanka: Home Turf and Redemption on Their Mind

Sri Lanka have already claimed victories in the Test and ODI legs of the tour and will aim to complete the sweep by clinching the T20I series. Captain Charith Asalanka will rely on his team’s batting depth to overcome recent setbacks and deliver a more convincing performance in the final game.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis form a solid foundation at the top, while Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando will be eager to leave a mark in the middle order. Perera managed 25 runs in the opening match but couldn’t get going in the second, while Fernando has shown glimpses of resilience.

With the pitch offering assistance to bowlers, especially early on, Sri Lanka will also bank on the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, and Nuwan Thushara to control proceedings with the ball. All-rounders Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne provide additional flexibility and firepower.

Sri Lanka Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Bangladesh: Building on Momentum

After a shaky start to the series, Bangladesh responded well in the second T20I, with middle-order batters stepping up under pressure. Litton Das led from the front with an excellent 76, while Shamim Hossain impressed with an aggressive 48 off 27 deliveries.

Opening batter Parvez Hossain Emon will be a key figure if Bangladesh are to establish dominance early. While the middle order has proven its ability to finish games, a strong start will be vital in Colombo’s challenging conditions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali add stability and firepower lower down the order.

On the bowling front, Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam were instrumental in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up in the previous match. With Mustafizur Rahman brought in for Taskin Ahmed, the bowling unit appears well-rounded and ready for the decider.

Bangladesh Predicted XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

Conditions and Strategic Insight

The weather in Colombo could be a factor, with thunderstorms forecast throughout the day. Although rain may interrupt play, a shortened match remains likely. The pitch has proven to be balanced but tends to assist bowlers, especially early on and during the middle overs.

Historically, teams chasing have found more success at R. Premadasa. Out of 58 T20Is played here, 34 have been won by the team bowling first. Given both teams’ depth in bowling and flexible batting orders, the toss-winning captain is expected to opt for chasing.

A total of around 170–180 could be competitive, especially given the conditions and recent match patterns.

Match Prediction

Both teams enter the finale with one win each and plenty of confidence, but Sri Lanka’s home advantage and more stable squad composition give them a slight edge. Despite inconsistencies in both camps, Sri Lanka’s familiarity with the pitch and crowd support could be the difference in a closely fought contest.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the final T20I and take the series 2-1.