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Following Sri Lanka’s dominant Test series win, the focus now shifts to the limited-overs format as both teams face off in the second One-Day International at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After a strong start from the hosts in the first match, where they posted 244 and restricted Bangladesh to 167, the Tigers will be eager to bounce back. The pitch has been challenging for batters with movement on offer for bowlers and assistance for spinners. With rain also forecasted, the game could be shortened or even abandoned. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will look to clinch the series early, while Bangladesh, under Mehidy Hasan Miraz, needs a win to keep their hopes alive.
Match Details
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (2nd ODI) |
| Date & Time | July 5, 2025 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Format | ODI |
| Live Streaming | Sony Sports Network, Willow TV |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka started the ODI series with a convincing 77-run victory over Bangladesh. Charith Asalanka’s gritty century at number five steered the team out of an early crisis after losing openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis cheaply. This highlights the importance of the top order stepping up in this match. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage provide solidity in the middle, while Wanindu Hasaranga brings valuable all-round depth. In bowling, Hasaranga was the standout performer in the last game, taking 4 wickets for just 10 runs in 8 overs. Alongside him, Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando form a potent pace-spin combination. The home side enjoys a strong record at Premadasa Stadium, especially against touring teams, giving them a psychological edge heading into this must-win clash.
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh had a forgettable outing in the first ODI, collapsing from 100/2 to 167 all out while chasing a modest target of 245. Despite solid starts from Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, the middle order failed to build partnerships. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy need to find form quickly if Bangladesh are to make a comeback in the series. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains the backbone of the team, offering both batting stability and useful off-spin. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers in the last match, taking four wickets, but the lack of support from other bowlers hurt their chances. Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib add experience to the attack, while Tanvir Islam provides some control in the middle overs. Bangladesh must regroup quickly and adapt to the conditions to avoid another defeat.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka enters this match with momentum after a strong Test series win and a solid ODI performance. Their bowlers have adapted well to the conditions, and the home advantage is significant. While Bangladesh showed glimpses of potential, their inconsistency and poor chase in the first ODI raise doubts. Sri Lanka’s depth in batting and variety in bowling give them an edge, making them clear favorites to clinch the series. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batsman | Sri Lanka | Solid opener; key to setting up the innings |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | Opening Batsman | Bangladesh | Aggressive start-maker; dangerous when in form |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Middle Order Batter | Sri Lanka | Match-winner with the bat; excellent leadership |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Middle Order Batter | Bangladesh | Reliable batsman; crucial to Bangladesh’s batting structure |
| Litton Das | Wicket-Keeper | Bangladesh | Consistent performer; can accelerate scoring |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder | Sri Lanka | Key spinner + handy lower-order runs |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bowler | Bangladesh | Top wicket-taker; swings the ball well |
| Asitha Fernando | Bowler | Sri Lanka | Fast bowler who troubles top order |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | Sri Lanka | Left-arm spinner with control and variation |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | All-Rounder | Bangladesh | Useful lower-order contributions + effective medium-pacer |
| Eshan Malinga | Bowler | Sri Lanka | Death specialist; economical and accurate |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI combines high-impact players from both sides. Openers like Nissanka and Tamim are crucial for setting the tone. Charith Asalanka offers captaincy value with his match-winning ability. Shanto and Litton are key for Bangladesh. Wanindu Hasaranga and Taskin Ahmed provide vital wickets. The inclusion of spinners like Theekshana and Malinga helps exploit the pitch conditions. Tanzim Sakib adds balance with all-round capabilities.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Captain | Charith Asalanka | Match-winner with bat; consistent performer; ideal multiplier option |
| Vice-Captain | Taskin Ahmed | Strike bowler; capable of picking multiple wickets |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Obus Pienaar | Struggles for form and consistency; not reliable for fantasy points |
| Shayan Jahangir | Inconsistent performer; lacks match-winning ability |
Team Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando
Bangladesh Squad
Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Probable Playing XI
| Pathum Nissanka | Tanzid Hasan Tamim |
| Nishan Madushka | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | Litton Das (wk) |
| Kamindu Mendis | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Towhid Hridoy |
| Janith Liyanage | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c) |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Jaker Ali |
| Asitha Fernando | Taskin Ahmed |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
| Eshan Malinga | Tanvir Islam |
| — | Mustafizur Rahman |
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is offering assistance to both pacers and spinners. It’s a balanced track that slightly favors bowlers. Batting first seems advantageous, given the dew factor later in the day. Spinners get grip and turn, especially in the latter stages of the innings. A score of 250–260 should be competitive here.
Toss Prediction
Given the weather forecast and historical trends, the toss winner is likely to choose to bat first , as chasing under lights and with dew can be tricky. Conditions may also deteriorate due to expected showers during the match.
Winner Prediction
While Bangladesh has quality players, their recent performances suggest inconsistency, especially in pressure games. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is riding high on confidence and has the advantage of familiar conditions. Sri Lanka is favored to win the second ODI and take an unassailable lead in the series.
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