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The second T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is set to take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, with the hosts looking to seal the series after a dominant 7-wicket win in the opener. Charith Asalanka’s men were clinical in all departments in the first game, restricting Bangladesh to 159/3 before chasing it down comfortably. The Tigers, on the other hand, are under pressure to bounce back and force a decider. With their batting struggling throughout the tour, Bangladesh must regroup quickly to avoid another whitewash.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (2nd T20I) |
| Date & Time | July 12, 2025 |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka |
| Format | T20 |
| Live Streaming | Sony Sports Network, Willow TV |
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka started the T20I series in commanding fashion, securing a 7-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first match. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave an aggressive start with a 78-run opening stand, setting the tone for the chase. Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando also contributed crucial runs in the middle overs, showcasing the depth and confidence in the batting lineup.
Charith Asalanka has led from the front with both bat and ball. The bowling unit was equally impressive — Nuwan Thushara, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dasun Shanaka shared wickets evenly, applying consistent pressure and keeping things tight. Jeffrey Vandersay and Binura Fernando provide useful variations, making the attack balanced and effective. With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka will look to wrap up the series early.
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh has endured a tough time in Sri Lanka across formats, with their batting unit failing repeatedly. In the first T20I, they managed only 159/3 — decent but not enough against a strong Sri Lankan batting line-up. Litton Das remains their key batter, scoring 64* in the last match, but support from the likes of Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy has been inconsistent. Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz need to step up if Bangladesh are to put up competitive totals.
Their bowling unit didn’t fire collectively in the first match. Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin struggled with control, while Mehidy and Tanzim Hasan Sakib lacked penetration. Shamim Hossain and Rishad Hossain offer some aggression but have yet to make a significant impact. Unless Bangladesh finds rhythm quickly, this game could slip away, handing Sri Lanka an unassailable lead in the series.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka enters this match as clear favorites after a dominant display in the first T20I. Their batting lineup looks settled and in form, with openers and middle-order batters performing consistently. The bowling unit is well-balanced and exploits conditions effectively. Bangladesh, on the other hand, continues to struggle with batting consistency and lacks confidence. With home advantage and momentum, Sri Lanka is expected to continue their dominance and secure the series win. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Lineup)
| Player | Position | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batsman | SL | Explosive opener; scored 42 off 16 in last match |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | Opening Batsman | BAN | Solid start-maker; needs to anchor innings |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicket-Keeper | SL | Aggressive batter + keeper; top-scorer in last game |
| Litton Das (VC) | Middle Order Batter | BAN | Reliable captain; explosive finisher |
| Avishka Fernando | Middle Order Batter | SL | Power hitter; can change momentum quickly |
| Chamika Karunaratne | All-Rounder | SL | Valuable lower-middle order runs + handy seam spells |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | SL | Left-arm spinner with control and wicket-taking ability |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | All-Rounder | BAN | Key bowler + useful lower-order runs |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler | SL | Right-arm pacer; picks early wickets |
| Rishad Hossain | Bowler | BAN | Useful medium-pacer; showed promise in last game |
| Sneh Rana (C) | Bowler | IND-W | Experienced all-rounder; crucial with bat and ball |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI includes high-impact players from both teams. Openers like Nissanka and Tanzid offer aggressive starts. Kusal Mendis and Litton Das bring multiplier value as captaincy options. Avishka Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne add firepower. Theekshana and Thushara lead the bowling charge, while Mehidy and Hossain provide balance for Bangladesh. This combination ensures coverage across all phases of the game.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Position | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Sneh Rana | All-round impact + proven wicket-taking ability |
| Vice-Captain | Litton Das | Consistent performer; capable of turning matches single-handedly |
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Taskin Ahmed | Struggles with control; hasn’t fired in recent matches |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | No big impact in recent games; lacks strike rate and economy |
Team Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh Squad
Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed
Probable Playing XI
| Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Tanzid Hasan Tamim |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Kusal Perera | Litton Das (c & wk) |
| Avishka Fernando | Mohammad Naim |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | Towhid Hridoy |
| Chamika Karunaratne | Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
| Dasun Shanaka | Shamim Hossain |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | Mohammad Saifuddin |
| Nuwan Thushara | Taskin Ahmed |
| Binura Fernando | Rishad Hossain |
Pitch Report
Dambulla offers a flat, batsman-friendly surface with true bounce and even pace. Spinners get assistance as the game progresses, and the outfield is quick. First-innings average is around 162, and teams prefer to chase under lights due to dew. A score of 180+ should be competitive.
Toss Prediction
With dew playing a role later in the evening, the toss winner is likely to choose to bowl first , aiming to chase under favorable conditions.
Winner Prediction
Sri Lanka looks more balanced and confident after a comprehensive win in the first T20I. Their batting depth and varied bowling attack give them an edge. Bangladesh has shown little improvement, especially with the bat. Unless there’s a major turnaround, Sri Lanka is expected to dominate again.
Sri Lanka to win the 2nd T20I and clinch the series 2-0.
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