Cricket Prediction | SL vs BAN | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | 3rd T20I | July 16 – Are Power Hitters the Key in This Ground?

SL vs BAN Match Analysis

The much-anticipated third T20 International between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be played at Colombo on July 16, 2025. The match is scheduled for an evening start, with the toss expected around 6:30 PM local time, promising a thrilling contest under lights. 

Sri Lanka has shown moments of brilliance with their young and dynamic squad, blending experience with emerging talent. The team boasts a strong batting lineup capable of aggressive starts and stabilizing middle-order performances. 

Bangladesh has demonstrated real strength and depth, especially in the bowling department, due to bowlers like Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Their batting, led by captain Litton Das, also contains some heavy hitters like Mohammad Naim and Tanzid Hasan, who can put runs on the board. 

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka leads the SL side with a calm yet aggressive mindset, focusing on backing young talents and playing proactive cricket. The team’s progress is fueled by Asalanka’s blend of clever game planning and reliable run-scoring. 

Sri Lanka’s batting depth is robust, with explosive openers like Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka setting the tone. The combination of Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, and the Mendis brothers in the middle order offers stability and the capacity to speed up scoring. Finishing power from Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Perera adds valuable firepower in the death overs.

The bowling attack is well-rounded, combining pace from Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Nuwan Thushara with spin options led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage provide additional spin variations, offering strategic flexibility.

The second T20I at Dambulla on July 13, 2025, saw SL suffer an 83-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. Bangladesh posted a competitive 177/7, with their bowlers then dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for just 94 runs in 15.2 overs. The Sri Lankan batsmen struggled against disciplined bowling, and the fielding lapses cost them crucial runs. 

Sri Lanka Squad

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (c), Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Binura Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Eshan Malinga, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage.

Bangladesh

The BAN team draws confidence from Litton Das’s blend of controlled aggression and calm leadership. His ability to lead from the front and build innings makes him a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 setup. 

Bangladesh’s batting lineup is deep and versatile, with Litton Das and Mohammad Naim providing solid starts. The middle order is strengthened by all-rounders like Mahedi Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contribute crucial runs and maintain momentum. 

Bangladesh’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Mustafizur Rahman’s deceptive cutters and the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The seamers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam bring pace and aggression upfront, while Nasum Ahmed and Shamim Hossain offer handy spin options. 

BAN dominated the 2nd T20I at Dambulla, posting 177/7 before bowling out Sri Lanka for just 94. Their bowlers maintained excellent control and discipline, making it difficult for Sri Lanka’s batsmen to score freely. This comprehensive 83-run victory has boosted Bangladesh’s confidence ahead of the final match in Colombo. 

Bangladesh Squad

Bangladesh

Litton Das (c) (wk), Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Naim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Rishad Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy.

SL vs BAN Outfield Report

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

The Colombo pitch is traditionally balanced, offering good pace and bounce for the pacers early on and gradual assistance to spinners as the innings progress. Batsmen can find rhythm if they play late and use the crease well. The surface tends to slow down slightly under lights, which can make timing tricky in the later overs.

The weather in Colombo is expected to be warm and humid with temperatures hovering around 31°C during match time. There is a low chance of rain, and a light breeze might provide some relief to bowlers. The conditions are typical for Sri Lankan summers, favoring players who are accustomed to heat and humidity.

Historically, teams batting first at Colombo have scored in the range of 160-190 runs, with the highest recorded T20I total crossing 190 runs. Chasing teams have successfully chased totals in the 150-170 bracket, making it a moderately high-scoring venue. The pitch usually allows for some explosive batting but can also favor bowlers who maintain tight lines.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five T20Is between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, both teams have shared wins evenly, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry. 

SL vs BAN Prediction

According to cricket analysts Sri Lanka have a 53% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.