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The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka kicks off on July 2 in Colombo , with the first game set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium . The momentum is firmly with Sri Lanka after they sealed the Test series with an emphatic innings-and-78 win, showcasing strong bowling and sharp fielding.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, come into this series on a six-match losing streak in ODIs , struggling with both bat and ball. With new leadership and squad changes , they’ll be hoping for a turnaround.
This clash promises high drama — especially with spin-friendly conditions , unpredictable weather, and pressure mounting on both teams to start the series strongly.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 1st ODI |
| Date | July 2, 2025 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Time | 2:30 PM Local Time / [Insert IST] |
| Competition | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2023–25 |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka enter the ODI series fresh from a dominant Test victory over Bangladesh , which saw them clinch the series 1–0 after a crushing innings-and-78 win . Their recent performance in ODIs has also been encouraging — they swept Australia 2–0 in their last ODI assignment at home.
Opening batters Pathum Nissanka and Nishan Madushka are expected to lay the foundation. While Nissanka has struggled recently, he remains dangerous in familiar conditions. Madushka brings consistency and aggression to the top order.
Kusal Mendis will be key in the middle overs — his century against Australia showed his ability to anchor chases. He averages 64 in the last nine ODIs and is a threat when set.
Captain Charith Asalanka , who scored 205 runs in two games against Australia , adds stability and experience. He averages 47 in the last 10 ODIs and 65 against Bangladesh .
Their bowling unit is led by Maheesh Theekshana , who has taken 19 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of just 4.41 — making him one of the most impactful spinners in world cricket.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer control and variations, while pace options like Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga provide seam and swing early on.
With home advantage and a balanced attack, Sri Lanka look well-prepared to dominate in the 50-over format.
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh arrive in Colombo under pressure after enduring a six-game ODI losing streak and a disappointing Test tour that ended in a whitewash. They’ve made several changes to the squad, including recalling Litton Das and appointing new skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz , who is expected to bring fresh energy.
Opener Tanzid Hasan impressed in the last series against Sri Lanka, scoring 84 not out in a tense chase. He partners with Najmul Hossain Shanto , who has been in great form across formats and averages 85 against Sri Lanka .
Shanto will be crucial in setting the tone, supported by Miraz and Jaker Ali in the middle order. Jaker is the only batter in the squad averaging above 50 in ODIs , offering some hope lower down the order.
In bowling, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman lead the pace and spin departments respectively. Taskin has taken 13 wickets in the last 8 ODIs , while Mustafizur has been more effective in Sri Lankan conditions — taking 23 wickets in 14 ODIs here , including 13 in six games .
However, the team’s overall execution has been shaky. Fielding errors, poor death bowling, and batting collapses have cost them dearly. Unless they can fix those issues quickly, they’ll struggle to break their losing cycle.
They need a collective effort to challenge Sri Lanka in this must-win opener.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Coming off a dominant Test series win; stronger batting line-up with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka. Bowling led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga offers variety and control. Bangladesh are winless in 6 consecutive ODIs and lack momentum. Their batting lacks depth, and bowlers have failed to take regular wickets. Sri Lanka have won their last two ODIs comprehensively. Historical pitch data favors chasing, but SL have better balance to adapt either way. With home advantage and superior all-round depth, Lanka starts as firm favorites. |
Fantasy Team XI (with Explanation)
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc) | Batter / Vice-Captain | BAN | Top scorer against SL; consistent performer and safe fantasy pick. |
| Maheesh Theekshana (c) | Bowler / Captain | SL | Star spinner; took 19 wickets in 9 matches; ideal fantasy captain choice. |
| Charith Asalanka | Batter | SL | Anchor of the innings; averages above 40 and rotates strike well. |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bowler | BAN | Impact pacer; takes early wickets and maintains pressure. |
| Kusal Mendis | Batter | SL | Finisher; ideal for late-innings acceleration and chase stability. |
| Towhid Hridoy | Batter | BAN | Solid middle-order presence; contributes consistently. |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Bowler | SL | Economical bowler; breaks partnerships and keeps it tight. |
| Jaker Ali | Batter | BAN | Dependable finisher; rotates strike well and hits big sixes. |
| Dunith Wellalage | Bowler | SL | Smart left-arm spinner; picks up key wickets and controls run flow. |
| Nishan Madushka | Batter | SL | Aggressive opener; useful for quick starts and powerplay dominance. |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bowler | BAN | Star pacer; takes early wickets and supports with useful cameos. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Maheesh Theekshana (SL) – High-impact bowler; likely to take multiple wickets.
- Vice-Captain : Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) – In-form batter against SL; safe fantasy option.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – Struggled in recent ODIs; inconsistent performance.
- Eshan Malinga (SL) – Lacks big spells or impactful returns lately.
Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
- Pathum Nissanka
- Nishan Madushka
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Janith Liyanage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Asitha Fernando
- Eshan Malinga
Bangladesh Squad
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c)
- Tanzid Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Towhid Hridoy
- Litton Das
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Taskin Ahmed
- Nahid Rana
Probable Playing XI
| Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Tanzid Hasan |
| Nishan Madushka | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Kusal Mendis | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c) |
| Kamindu Mendis | Towhid Hridoy |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Litton Das |
| Janith Liyanage | Jaker Ali |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Rishad Hossain |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Mustafizur Rahman |
| Dunith Wellalage | Taskin Ahmed |
| Asitha Fernando | Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
| Eshan Malinga | Nahid Rana |
Pitch Report
- Venue : R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Average First Innings Score : ~233
- Highest Score : 362/5 by India vs Pakistan (2015)
- Nature of Pitch : Balanced surface; assists spinners during middle overs. Pacers get movement early on.
- Expected Target : 230–250 should be competitive.
- Fielding Advantage : Chasing sides have found success due to true bounce and slower pitch later in the day.
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome : Even chance for either side to win the toss.
- Decision : Bat first. Historical data shows batting becomes trickier after dew sets in; safer to post a score first.
Winner Prediction
Sri Lanka are our predicted winners of the first ODI against Bangladesh . They come into the match with strong home record , better bowling attack , and recent Test dominance adding to the confidence.
Key performers like Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Maheesh Theekshana are in excellent touch, and home advantage gives them an edge.
Bangladesh , despite having talent like Shanto and Taskin , have shown worrying signs of inconsistency and poor execution in overseas conditions.
Back Sri Lanka to continue their winning momentum and secure a strong start to the ODI series.
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