SL vs BAN 3rd T20I – Playing XI & Key Battles to Watch

With the deciding 3rd T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh set for Wednesday, 16 July 2025, at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, both teams are finalising their line-ups and identifying match-ups that could swing the game. Here’s an in‑depth look at the probable XIs, tactical battles, and player roles to monitor as the series reaches its climax.

Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka (7:00 p.m. LT; 1:30 p.m. GMT) likely fields:

• Pathum Nissanka (Opener)
   
• Kusal Mendis (wk‑batter)
   
• Kusal Perera
   
• Avishka Fernando
   
• Charith Asalanka (c)
   
• Dasun Shanaka
   
• Chamika Karunaratne
   
• Maheesh Theekshana
   
• Jeffrey Vandersay
   
• Binura Fernando
   
• Nuwan Thushara
   

Note: Wanindu Hasaranga remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, ruling out leg-spin options .

Bangladesh expect to select:

• Litton Das (c & wk)
   
• Tanzid Hasan
   
• Parvez Hossain Emon
   
• Mohammad Naim
   
• Towhid Hridoy
   
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
   
• Shamim Hossain
   
• Mohammad Saifuddin
   
• Taskin Ahmed
   
• Rishad Hossain
   
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib
   

Key Battles to Monitor

1. Nissanka vs Taskin Ahmed

Nissanka has been Sri Lanka's most aggressive opener in this series. He’ll need to counter Taskin’s swing early on. If Taskin capitalises on the new ball, Bangladesh could gain an early upper hand.

2. Kusal Mendis vs Rishad Hossain

Mendis has dominated Bangladesh’s pacers with two strong knocks. Rishad brings spin and lower-order resistance—his ability to break partnerships may be vital.

3. Shanto vs Theekshana/Wellalage

Bangladesh’s middle-order, led by Shanto, must navigate Sri Lanka's spin trio. Theekshana and Wellalage could choke the innings if they manage early breakthroughs.

4. Pathirana vs Litton Das

Sri Lanka’s newest pace weapon, Matheesha Pathirana, has been in lethal form. His ability to exploit early movement against Bangladesh's captain-wicketkeeper Das could yield crucial wickets.

5. Shanaka vs Mehidy Hasan

An all‑round clash: Shanaka’s experience under pressure and part-time seam could clash with Mehidy’s spin control and finishing flair.

Tactical Focus Areas

• Sri Lanka’s spin balance: Without Hasaranga, Theekshana and Vandersay shoulder spin responsibility. They'll need to tie down Bangladesh’s middle overs—with Mehidy and Rishad on the opposite end.
   
• Bangladesh’s seam pack: Taskin, Saifuddin, and young Sakib provide varied pace options. Can they match Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, who thrive in Sinhale conditions?
   
• Batting depth: Sri Lanka's top-4 is proven, while Bangladesh relies heavily on Litton and Shanto. Support from Hridoy and Naim may determine ability to chase.
   

Probable XIs Overview

Sri Lanka: Nissanka, Mendis (wk), Perera, Fernando, Asalanka (c), Shanaka, Karunaratne, Theekshana, Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Pathirana/Thushara

Bangladesh: Litton (c, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Emon, Naim, Hridoy, Mehidy, Shamim, Saifuddin, Taskin, Rishad, Sakib

Game-Changing Roles

• Powerplay dominance: Who strikes first—Sri Lanka’s pace or Bangladesh’s swing?
   
• Spin control: With dry pitch expected, spin could determine innings structure.
   
• All‑round impact: Shanaka, Mehidy, Bernardo Fernando, and Karunaratne can shift momentum.
   

Final Take

• Sri Lanka benefit from home conditions, balanced attack, and powerful top order.
   
• Bangladesh must exploit early opportunities with pacers, then rely on Litton–Shanto anchor partnerships through spin-heavy middle overs.
   
• Watch the line-up decisions closely—they will reveal each team's strategy for winning the series.