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

As the 3rd T201 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take place on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, in Colombo (R. Premadasa Stadium), both nations have already planned their line-ups and the possible match-ups that may lead the game to one team or another. An in-depth analysis of the expected XIs, strategic struggles and roles of players to keep an eye on as the series hit its peak.

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

Important Battles to Watch

1. Nissanka vs Taskin Ahmed

Nissanka is the most aggressive Sri Lanka opener of this series. He will have to nullify the swing of Taskin in the initial stages. Bangladesh might get an early advantage in case Taskin takes advantage of the new ball.

2. Kusal Mendis and Rishad Hossain

Mendis has starred in two blistering innings as he has taken care of the Bangladeshi pacers. Rishad offers spin and low order resistance- and here his breaking of partnerships could be crucial.

3. Shanto against Theekshana/Wellallage

Bangladesh middle-order Shanto will have to face the spin trio of Sri Lanka. Theekshana and Wellalage can strangle the innings should they make early in-roads.

4. Pathirana vs litton Das

Sri Lanka has a new pace weapon in Matheesha Pathirana who has been deadly. His experience to dirty early movement against the Bangladesh captain-wicketkeeper Das can prove to gain much useful wickets.

5. Shanaka vs Mehidy Hasan

A Wrap around contest: the pressurised situation and part time seam skills of Shanaka may be in conflict with Mehidy finishing skills and control of spin.

Tactical Areas of Concentration

• The balance of spin: Sri Lanka lacks spinsters in the absence of Hasaranga, Theekshana and Vandersay are under pressure in terms of spin. They will be required to restrain the middle overs of Bangladesh- the Mehidy and Rishad end.
   
• Bangladesh: The seam pack: Taskin, Saifuddin and young Sakib offer pace plus variety. Are they capable of even competing with Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara that are getting on at Sinhale conditions?
   
• Batting depth: Team Sri Lanka has a tested top-4, but Bangladesh is relying on Litton and Shanto. Ability to chase may depend on support of Hridoy and Naim.

Probable XIs Overview

Sri Lanka: Nissanka, Mendis (w), 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 supremacy: Who opens the boundary, pace of Sri Lanka or swing of Bangladesh?
   
• Spin control: Based on the expected dry pitch, spin may be the factor that sets the shape of innings.
   
• All-round contribution: Shanaka, Mehidy, Bernardo Fernando, and Karunaratne are able to turn the momentum.

Final Take

• Sri Lanka have home conditions, measured attack and good top order.
   
• The early Bangladesh pacers need to be used when possible and then Litton-Shanto partnerships need to anchor the middle overs via the spinners.
   
• Pay attention to the choices made on the line-up- here you can see what strategy each of the teams will use to win the series.