The T20I series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has come down to a thrilling decider. With both teams registering dominant wins, all eyes now turn to the 3rd T20I, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The momentum seems equally balanced, but one team will emerge as the superior side heading into future white-ball contests. The series has been high-voltage, full of drama, tactical battles, batting brilliance, and bowling excellence.
🏟️ Match Details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I
- Series: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025
- Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM local time
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast:
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV / SLBC
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV) / T Sports
- India: Star Sports / Hotstar
- Worldwide: ICC.tv
📈 Series Recap: 1-1 with a Cracker Looming
- 1st T20I: Sri Lanka clinched victory in a closely fought contest, dominating with ball and composure.
- 2nd T20I: Bangladesh made a roaring comeback, beating Sri Lanka by 83 runs and dismissing them for just 94.
🏅 Player of the Match (2nd T20I):
Litton Das – 76 (50) with two stumpings and two catches.
📋 Likely Playing XIs
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Probable XI
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis †
- Kusal Perera
- Avishka Fernando
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Dasun Shanaka
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Binura Fernando
- Nuwan Thushara
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Probable XI
- Tanzid Hasan
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Litton Das (c & wk)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Shamim Hossain
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Jaker Ali
- Mohammad Saifuddin
- Shoriful Islam
- Rishad Hossain
- Mustafizur Rahman
🌦️ Pitch & Weather Report: Colombo Conditions
🏟️ Pitch Overview (R. Premadasa)
- Nature: Slower surface, grip for spinners
- Batting First Advantage: 60% wins
- Dew Factor: Moderate dew in second innings
🌤️ Weather Forecast
- Temperature: 27–29°C
- Humidity: 85%
- Rain: 20% chance of evening showers
🔍 Team Strengths and Tactical Preview
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Home Advantage & Power Hitters
Strengths:
- Deep middle order
- Versatile bowling attack
- Mystery spin from Theekshana
Weaknesses:
- Fragile top order
- Over-dependence on Asalanka & Mendis
Tactics:
- Bowl first if winning toss
- Use Theekshana & Vandersay in middle overs
- Shanaka as a floating finisher
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – High on Confidence, Balanced Squad
Strengths:
- In-form Litton Das and Shamim Hossain
- Left-right combo flexibility
- Strong bowling variation
Weaknesses:
- Inexperienced top order
- Death overs inconsistency
Tactics:
- Powerplay aggression
- Spin chokehold with Mehidy & Rishad
- Target Sri Lankan openers with pace upfront
🧠 Key Players to Watch
🔥 Sri Lanka
- Charith Asalanka: The captain needs to anchor the innings. A 40+ score will be crucial.
- Maheesh Theekshana: Will be vital in the middle overs to contain runs and break partnerships.
- Kusal Mendis: Needs to fire at the top to reduce pressure on the middle order.
🔥 Bangladesh
- Litton Das: Bangladesh’s form player; his aggressive starts are redefining the top order.
- Shoriful Islam: Raw pace and deadly accuracy with the new ball.
- Rishad Hossain: Surprise package with the ball; can spin the game in middle overs.
🔁 Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 |
🔄 Last 5 T20Is:
- BAN ✅
- SL ✅
- SL ✅
- BAN ✅
- SL ✅
📊 Team Comparison
| Category | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1st Inn Score | 157 | 160 |
| Win % Bat 1st | 60% | 55% |
| Top Scorer (Series) | Asalanka – 68 | Litton – 108 |
| Top Wicket-taker | Theekshana – 4 | Rishad – 5 |
| Boundary % | 18% | 21% |
🏆 Series Decider Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
Both sides have shown brilliance and collapse in equal measure. Bangladesh’s dominant win in the 2nd T20I showed their capacity to bounce back, while Sri Lanka will bank on home support and spin-friendly conditions.
Key Factors:
- Bangladesh’s middle-order stability
- Sri Lanka’s adaptability at home
- Dew & toss could decide the outcome
🧮 Our Prediction:
If Bangladesh bat first and post 160+, they are favorites.
If Sri Lanka bowl first, they could restrict and chase comfortably.
Predicted Winner: Bangladesh (52% chance)
❓ FAQs – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh T20I Series Decider
Q1. What time does the match start?
A: 🕖 7:00 PM local time in Colombo.Q2. Where is the 3rd T20I being played?
A: 🏟️ R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.Q3. Who is the captain of both teams?
A: 🇧🇩 Litton Das (Bangladesh), 🇱🇰 Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka).Q4. What is the head-to-head record in T20Is?
A: Sri Lanka lead with 10 wins, Bangladesh have 6.Q5. Where can I watch the match live?
A: Gazi TV (BD), Siyatha TV (SL), Hotstar (IND), ICC.tv (Global)📌 Final Thoughts
As cricket fans brace for the final showdown, the series decider promises to be an enthralling encounter. Both teams have match-winners and fragile flaws, but that’s what makes T20 cricket so beautifully unpredictable.
Whether it’s Litton Das leading from the front or Theekshana weaving a web with spin, the final chapter of this series will be written in high-octane action and roaring crowds in Colombo.
🎯 Don’t miss the final battle – July 16, under the Colombo lights, where a new chapter in Asian cricket rivalry will be written.