Colombo, July 16, 2025 – The stage is set for a thrilling decider as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face off in the final and third T20I of the series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
With the series locked at 1-1, both teams are braced for a fiery clash, but Sri Lanka holds a notable edge, boasting a 71% win probability heading into the decisive match.
After Sri Lanka’s dominant victory in the first T20I, Bangladesh responded emphatically in the second, crushing the hosts and leveling the series in style. The final showdown promises high-intensity cricket as both sides have shown flashes of brilliance.
In the batting department, Sri Lanka will be hoping for fireworks from openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Mendis was named Player of the Match in the opening encounter for his explosive 73, while Nissanka has shown consistency with back-to-back 30+ scores. However, the middle and lower order remain largely untested. Players like Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, and Avishka Fernando will need to step up if early wickets fall in the final T20I.
On the bowling front, Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara have impressed with their pace and economy, while spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay have each had one standout performance across the two games. The balance of the bowling unit will be crucial if Sri Lanka are to clinch the series.
For Bangladesh, their bounce-back in the second T20I was led by skipper Litton Das, who played a captain’s knock of 76. Support from Shamim Hossain and Tawhid Hridoy helped post an imposing total. Parvez Hossain Emon, after a strong start in the first match, failed in the second but remains a dangerous option at the top.
Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a near-perfect display in the last game. Shoriful Islam’s early breakthroughs, combined with strong support from Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, helped skittle out Sri Lanka for just 94.
The pitch conditions in Colombo could play a vital role in determining the outcome of the final T20I. As Bangladesh chases a historic away series win, Sri Lanka will be equally determined to secure victory on home soil and seal the series 2-1.