Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I 2025 – Full Match Preview, Squad, Schedule & Live Coverage

The third and decisive T20I of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka is set for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. With the series locked at 1–1 and both teams eyeing momentum ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026, this final showdown carries significant weight. Here's your complete guide:

Match Overview

• Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025
   
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
   
• Local Start Time: 7:00 p.m. Sri Lanka Time (UTC+5:30)
   
• Broadcast Start (GMT): 1:30 p.m.
   
• Television & Streaming:
   
  • Sri Lanka: SLRC Network / Dialog TV / Ten Cricket & PEO TV
     
  • Bangladesh: T Sports / Nagorik TV / Toffee app
     
  • Pakistan: Tapmad (official rights)
     
  • India: FanCode / SonyLIV
     
  • Other regions: ICC digital platforms & local broadcasters
     

Sri Lanka Squad

Sri Lanka field a 17‑player squad under Charith Asalanka’s captaincy, reviewing results from the first two T20Is. Key squad details include:

• Captain: Charith Asalanka
   
• Wicketkeeper-batters: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera
   
• All‑rounders: Dasun Shanaka (returning), Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal
   
• Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga (ruled out due to hamstring injury), Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay
   
• Pace Attack: Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Eshan Malinga
   

Notable changes: Hasaranga is out with a hamstring issue; Shanaka and Karunaratne have returned to bolster options.

Bangladesh Squad

Bangladesh named a full-strength group for all three T20Is, led by Mustafizur Rahman and featuring:

• Captain / Keeper: Litton Das
   
• Top-order batsmen: Tamim Iqbal, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto
   
• All‑rounders: Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain
   
• Bowling unit: Mustafizur Rahman (pace), Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Sakib
   

Tactical Outlook & Pitch Conditions

• Spin-heavy surfaces expected: Colombo’s pitch traditionally supports spinners—a key factor given Sri Lanka’s spin trio. Bangladesh’s batsmen must respond with measured spin play.
   
• Batting pivots: Sri Lanka's openers have shown strong form—Pathirana, Nissanka, and Mendis are critical. Bangladesh must find early rhythm among their top three.
   
• Pace versus flair: Bangladesh's pace spearheaded by Mustafizur, Taskin, and Saifuddin faces Sri Lankan seamers like Pathirana and Karunaratne, who thrive in home conditions.
   

Live Coverage & Ball-by-Ball Updates

Region	Coverage
Sri Lanka	SLRC Network, Dialog TV, PEO TV, Cricinfo, FanCode
Bangladesh	T Sports, Nagorik, Toffee app
Pakistan	Tapmad (official streaming partner)
India	SonyLIV, FanCode
Global	ICC digital platform, ESPN+, Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports/TNT Sports (UK)

Live ball-by-ball updates available via ICC app, CricTracker, and ESPNcricinfo.

Series Context & Stakes

• Tied at 1–1: Sri Lanka secured the opener convincingly, while Bangladesh bounced back in Kandy.
   
• Momentum swing: Sri Lanka won 2 of 3 ODIs and all Tests. A clean T20I sweep would underline their dominance.
   
• Tactical edge: A strong spin performance could tilt the final in Sri Lanka’s favour; Bangladesh aim to adapt quickly.
   

Players to Watch

• Sri Lanka:
  Matheesha Pathirana (explosive wicket-taking seam), Charith Asalanka (form and leadership), Maheesh Theekshana (spin control).
   
• Bangladesh:
  Mustafizur Rahman (death‑over specialist), Tanzid Hasan Sakib (promising pace all-rounder), Najmul Hossain Shanto (building consistency).
   

What’s Next

• Series Winner: The final T20I decides bragging rights and ranking points, crucial before Asia Cup 2025.
   
• Pitch insights: Teams will reassess conditions ahead of October's Asia Cup.
   
• Future planning: Players like Shanaka, Wellalage, and Shamim are auditioning for global selection; positive performances here are pivotal.
   

Final Preview

• Sri Lanka hold spin advantage and home conditions
   
• Bangladesh must adapt early and counter-attack with pace
   

Watch for the final’s narrative: sweep to headline or balance restored?