Arjit Kumar - Monday, Jul 07, 2025SL vs BAN: Sri Lanka performed brilliantly in the first ODI and defeated Bangladesh by 77 runs, in which Charith Asalanka's century and Wanindu Hasaranga's four-wicket haul were important. But, in the second ODI, Bangladesh made a comeback and won by 16 runs, in which Tanvir Islam's five-wicket haul proved to be decisive. Now this match to be held in Pallekele will decide the series winner.
Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI
Series: Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2025 (3 ODI series)
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time IST: 2:30 PM (14:30 IST)
Stadium: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Broadcaster (India) TV: Sony Sports Ten
Sri Lanka: After a one-sided victory in the first match, Sri Lanka lost their grip in the second ODI. They need some more partnerships in batting and not just rely on individual performances. Kusal Mendis hit a half-century in the second ODI, but after his dismissal, the team's pace slowed down. Janith Liyanage contributed well in the middle order, but more will be expected from the lower middle order. In bowling, Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando have handled the pace attack, while among the spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana are important wicket-takers. Sri Lanka will look to win the series on their home ground.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh made a brilliant comeback in the second ODI. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tauheed Hridoy both hit half-centuries, and Shamim Hossain stunned everyone with his bowling, conceding just 22 runs in nine overs and taking the crucial wicket of Charit Aslanka. However, Bangladesh will need to improve batting partnerships and middle-order stability. Mehdi Hasan Miraz is keeping the team together as captain, and Tanvir Islam showed his ability by taking 5 wickets in the second ODI. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will also be important in the pace attack. Bangladesh are eager to register their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka.
Total matches played: 57
Sri Lanka won: 43
Bangladesh won: 13
No result: 2
Recent history (last 5 ODIs): Bangladesh won 3, Sri Lanka won 2
Sri Lanka's overall head-to-head record is still much better, especially at home where they have won 21 out of 23 ODIs against Bangladesh. However, recent form has seen Bangladesh match the same, making this decisive encounter even more exciting.
The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is generally considered bowler-friendly. The average first innings score has been around 244 runs. The surface might be damp, allowing the new ball bowlers to get movement on both sides of the seam and in the air. Batting conditions are expected to improve as the match progresses and the surface dries up. There is also a chance of cloudy weather and light rain during the match, which could also bring the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rule (DLS method) into play. The team winning the toss will probably prefer to bowl first, given that conditions can change.
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN). Both can make significant contributions with the ball and bat.
Batters: Charith Asalanka (SL) (century in 1st ODI), Pathum Nissanka (SL), Tauheed Hridoy (BAN).
Bowlers: Tanveer Islam (BAN) (5 wickets in 2nd ODI), Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Asitha Fernando (SL).
Charith Asalanka: Captain and middle-order batsman, who has the ability to score big.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Has taken seven wickets in the series so far and can also score quick runs in the lower order.
Kusal Mendis: Another important batsman who can give stability to the team.
Mahesh Theekshana: Can be effective on spin-friendly pitches.
Mehdi Hasan Miraz: Captain and key all-rounder, who can produce match-winning performances with both ball and bat.
Tanvir Islam: Will be full of confidence after a stellar performance in the second ODI.
Tauheed Hridoy: A run-scoring batsman in the middle order.
Liton Das: Will be eager to perform better after his comeback.
Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis (SL)
Batsmen: Pathum Nissanka (SL), Charith Aslanka (SL), Tauheed Hridoy (BAN), Nazmul Hossain Shanto (BAN)
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) (Captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) (Vice-Captain), Shamim Hossain (BAN)
Bowlers: Mahesh Theekshana (SL), Asitha Fernando (SL), Tanvir Islam (BAN).
This is expected to be an extremely close encounter. Sri Lanka have a strong home advantage and spin attack, while Bangladesh have shown their fighting ability by making a comeback in the second ODI. Pitch conditions and chances of rain could affect the game. This is a 'do or die' match for both teams.
Our Prediction: This will be an exciting match, but Sri Lanka are slightly more likely to win given the home conditions and experience of the key players. However, the young Bangladesh team can pull off an upset at any time.
