SL vs BAN: The stage is set for a thrilling series decider as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lock horns in the 3rd and final T20 International of the series. The series is currently poised at 1-1, making this encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo a winner-takes-all clash. Sri Lanka dominated the first T20I with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory, while Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the second, securing an emphatic 83-run win. All eyes will now be on this final showdown to determine the series victor.
SL vs BAN Match Details
SL vs BAN Match Preview
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka started the T20I series with a convincing win, showcasing their all-round capabilities. Kusal Mendis was instrumental with a fluent fifty, and Pathum Nissanka provided solid support at the top. Their bowling attack, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Binura Fernando, dismantled the Bangladeshi chase effectively in the first match. However, their batting collapsed in the second T20I, getting bundled out for just 94 runs while chasing 177. Captain Charith Asalanka will be looking for a strong comeback from his batting lineup and hoping his bowlers can once again exploit the home conditions. The potential return of Wanindu Hasaranga (if fit) could provide a significant boost to their spin department.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh made a roaring comeback in the second T20I after a lackluster performance in the opener. Captain Litton Das led from the front with a brilliant 76, ably supported by Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain with crucial cameos. Their bowling unit, especially the pacers in the powerplay, delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total. Youngster Rishad Hossain also contributed with crucial overs. Bangladesh will be eager to carry this momentum into the decider and clinch a memorable series win on Sri Lankan soil, a feat they haven’t achieved in bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka before.
Head-to-Head (T20Is): Out of 19 T20I matches played between these two sides, Sri Lanka has won 12, while Bangladesh has won 7. While Sri Lanka holds a historical advantage, Bangladesh’s emphatic win in the second T20I highlights their recent improvement and makes this series decider a truly unpredictable contest.
SL vs BAN Pitch Report
Pitch Report (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo): The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch in Colombo is generally known to be spin-friendly. The average first innings T20I score at this venue is around 142. While it’s not a high-scoring ground, scores in the range of 150-160 can be competitive. Chasing can sometimes be tricky on this surface as the game progresses, and the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play. Given the nature of the pitch and the recent results, the team winning the toss might prefer to bat first and put runs on the board.
SL vs BAN Fantasy Tips and Dream11 Prediction
This being a series decider, expect both teams to put their best foot forward. Consider players who can contribute with both bat and ball, especially on a potentially spin-friendly track.
Captain/Vice-Captain Choices:
- Batsmen: Kusal Mendis (SL), Litton Das (BAN), Pathum Nissanka (SL), Towhid Hridoy (BAN).
- All-rounders: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN), Charith Asalanka (SL), Dasun Shanaka (SL).
- Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Rishad Hossain (BAN), Mustafizur Rahman (BAN).
Key Players to Watch:
- From Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (consistent scorer), Charith Asalanka (captain, can contribute with bat and ball), Maheesh Theekshana (effective spinner), Binura Fernando (paceman who bowls well in powerplay).
- From Bangladesh: Litton Das (in form, vital for opening), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (all-round value), Towhid Hridoy (reliable middle-order batsman), Rishad Hossain (leg-spinner who can pick wickets).
Team Composition: Prioritize all-rounders and spinners, especially if Wanindu Hasaranga plays for Sri Lanka. Include a mix of reliable top-order batsmen and impactful death bowlers.
Predicted Dream11 Team:
- Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis (SL), Litton Das (BAN) (Vice-Captain)
- Batsmen: Pathum Nissanka (SL), Towhid Hridoy (BAN), Charith Asalanka (SL)
- All-rounders: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) (Captain), Dasun Shanaka (SL)
- Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Rishad Hossain (BAN), Binura Fernando (SL), Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)
Match Prediction: This promises to be a nail-biting encounter. While Sri Lanka holds the historical advantage and home conditions, Bangladesh’s strong comeback in the second T20I gives them significant momentum. Given the nature of the pitch and Bangladesh’s recent performance, this could be a close game. However, Sri Lanka’s experience at home in deciders and the potential boost from key players might just give them the edge.
Our Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the 3rd T20I and clinch the series.
