Colombo, July 4, 2025 – Bangladesh will look to bounce back in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka after a disappointing defeat in the series opener.
The match is set to take place on July 5, 2025, at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where the home side currently leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.
Sri Lanka asserted dominance in the first ODI with a comprehensive 77-run victory, driven by Charith Asalanka’s masterful century and a clinical spin performance from Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, and Maheesh Theekshana. Their spin trio capitalized on the turning track, dismantling Bangladesh’s middle and lower order, who shockingly lost seven wickets for just five runs — a collapse that exposed the Tigers’ fragile middle-order structure in ODIs.
With the series now at stake, Bangladesh are under pressure to deliver a stronger showing in the second ODI. Led by their new ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the team is undergoing a transitional phase following the retirements of senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. Mehidy will have to marshal both young and experienced players to bring the fight back to a confident Sri Lankan side.
The responsibility in the batting department will fall on promising youngsters like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, and Jaker Ali — the latter two offering glimpses of form in the first ODI. With the ball, Taskin Ahmed, who picked up four wickets in the opening clash, will once again be pivotal. He will be supported by Mehidy and the seasoned Mustafizur Rahman, whose variations could be crucial in countering Sri Lanka’s spin-reliant strategy.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to seal the ODI series with another win at home. Pathum Nissanka, a standout in the preceding Test series, missed out in the first ODI and will be eager to make an impact, while Kusal Mendis is due for a big innings.
As Bangladesh search for a winning combination and stability in their ODI middle-order, the second clash promises high intensity, with both pride and the potential for a series decider hanging in the balance.