Arjit Kumar - Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025We are eagerly waiting for the first match of the upcoming T20 International series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka is now going to end with a 3 match T20I series after 2 Test matches (which Sri Lanka won 1-0) and 3 ODI matches (which Sri Lanka won 2-1).
This T20I series will serve as important preparation for both teams for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India). Both teams will look to improve their T20I form and find the right combination.
Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I
Series: Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2025 (3 T20I series),
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time (IST): 7:00 PM (19:00 IST) / Local Time (SL): 7:00 PM
Stadium: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Broadcaster (India) TV: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 5 etc)
Live Streaming: Sony Liv app and website, FanCode app and website
Live Scores: will be available on Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo and other major cricket websites.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka have recently won both the Test and ODI series, which has boosted their confidence. In the T20I format too, they have world-class spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who have been included in the 17-member squad. Hasaranga was in great form in the ODI series and was the leading wicket-taker. Charith Asalanka will captain the team and they have experienced batsmen like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera. The return of Dasun Shanaka will also strengthen the lower-order batting and medium-pace bowling. Fast bowlers like Mathisha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara will also play important roles. Sri Lanka will look to continue their dominance on their home ground.
Bangladesh: The Bangladesh team have been struggling in T20Is lately, losing the last five T20I matches, including their recent 0-3 loss against Pakistan. The team has made a few changes, with former captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto being dropped from the T20I squad. Liton Das will lead the side and will be expected to lead with the bat. Tamim Iqbal and Parvez Hossain Emon could open the batting, while Tauheed Hridoy will be crucial in the middle order. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed will handle the spin department, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the fast bowling attack. Bangladesh will look to get their T20I form back on track by winning this series.
Sri Lanka has a better record against Bangladesh in T20Is, but some recent matches have been close. It is also worth noting that while playing in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh has won 3 out of 5 T20I matches.
The pitch at Pallekele is generally considered to be one of the best batting pitches in Sri Lanka. The average first innings score in T20Is is around 173. Teams chasing here have also won many matches, while teams batting first have also achieved success. It is expected that the new ball may see seam and swing, and spinners may also get assistance from the pitch. Batsmen who are set once can score big runs. Overall, a balanced T20 encounter is expected. There is a chance of rain in the evening, but the threat should subside by the time the match starts.
From Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga (all-round contribution), Pathum Nissanka (in-form opener), Kusal Mendis (experienced batsman), Maheesh Theekshana (wicket-taking spinner).
From Bangladesh: Liton Das (captain and experienced batsman), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (all-round contribution), Taskin Ahmed (key pacer).
Sri Lanka will be brimming with confidence due to their home conditions and the ODI series win. The presence of spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana makes Sri Lanka stronger. Bangladesh are starting afresh with a young team and face the challenge of improving their T20I form. However, Bangladesh have a relatively good T20I record in Sri Lanka.
Our prediction: Sri Lanka have home ground advantage and a strong spin attack, so they can win this match. However, Bangladesh's young team can perform something unexpected. We consider Sri Lanka as the favorites to win this first T20I.
