SL vs BAN 3rd ODI Match Prediction (8 Jul 2025), Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka: Key Players, H2H and Pitch Report

kaiggy12 07-Jul-2025 • 08:52

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI Preview:

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face off in the 3rd ODI on July 8, 2025, at Pallekele. After a nail-biting 16-run win for Bangladesh on July 5th, the series is tied 1-1. Sri Lanka has been strong in Tests lately against Bangladesh (winning two of the last three), but their ODI form has been hit-or-miss (three wins and a loss in the last five). Bangladesh will be riding high after their recent victory, but their ODI record is still a bit shaky (one win, two losses, and two draws in the last five). Expect some fireworks between Sri Lanka's spinners and Bangladesh's improved batting.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh

Key Players to Keep an Eye On:

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka Top Batter): Averages 49 in home ODIs. If he can handle Bangladesh’s opening bowlers like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, he'll set the tone.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka Top Bowler): He's grabbed 10 wickets this series, taking advantage of the spin-friendly Pallekele pitch. His battle with Shakib Al Hasan (if he's fit) could be key.

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh X-Factor): The captain hit a tough 89 in the second ODI. His composure against Sri Lanka's spinners will be crucial.

Weather and Pitch Report:

Expect sunny skies, with temperatures around 28–31°C and humidity at 70%. No rain is expected. Light winds (8–12 km/h).

The Pallekele pitch should offer some early movement for fast bowlers like Dushmantha Chameera and Mustafizur. As the game goes on, the spinners will come into play. A score of 280–300 looks about right.

Recent Performance

Team Form (LAST 5 MATCHES)

Sri Lanka

L W W NR W

Bangladesh

W L L NR NR

Head-to-Head Analysis

Sri Lanka has a slight advantage recently, winning two of the last three ODIs. Their 77-run victory on July 2 was all about Wanindu Hasaranga (4/34 and 45*), while Bangladesh's 16-run win on July 5 saw Mehidy Hasan Miraz smash 68* and Tanzim Hasan Sakib take 3/42. Historically, Sri Lanka dominates at home, but Bangladesh's faster bowlers and stronger middle order make this a close one.

SL vs BAN Match Prediction

Sri Lanka has a slight edge (60-40). Home advantage and Hasaranga's spin give them an advantage. But don't count out Bangladesh. Their improved death bowling (Tanzim and Mustafizur) and Shanto's good form mean they could cause an upset. Key matchups: Nissanka against Mustafizur's slower balls, and Hridoy against Hasaranga's googlies. If Sri Lanka's top order can survive the initial overs, their middle order (Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis) can put up a big score.

Expert View:

Ascores thinks Sri Lanka's spin attack is the deciding factor, but warns not to underestimate Bangladesh's determination. If Bangladesh wants to win, Shanto and Litton Das have to handle Hasaranga, and their spinners Mehidy and Rishad Hossain need to strike together. Sri Lanka's strong batting lineup (with Dunith Wellalage at No. 8) gives them a bit of security.

Toss:

The captain who wins the toss will probably choose to bowl first to benefit from the morning moisture. If dew is expected later, batting second under lights could be an advantage.

Expected Scores:

If Sri Lanka bats first: 290–320

If Bangladesh bats first: 260–290

Final Call:

Sri Lanka to win by 4 wickets or more than 30 runs. Their balanced team and home record should be enough to overcome Bangladesh. Expect Hasaranga to be named Player of the Match with 3 wickets and some important runs.