SL vs BAN Match Prediction (5 Jul 2025): Who Has the Edge in the Crucial 2nd ODI Clash?

Marium zafar 05-Jul-2025 • 07:59

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will play their second one-day international of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo's iconic R. Premadasa Stadium at 2.30pm today. Following a convincing performance in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will look to wrap up the series quickly, while Bangladesh will be desperate to recover and keep the series alive.

With a record of WWDWW in their last five ODIs, Sri Lanka is presently playing at a very high level. In addition to having a strong bowling attack thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, their batting lineup, which is led by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, has appeared stable.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have not won an ODI in their last five attempts (LLDDD) and are under immense pressure. Their senior players like Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (who is also captaining) need to step up, and the young middle order must find consistency.

Recent Performance

Team Form (LAST 5 MATCHES)

Sri Lanka

W W NR W W

Bangladesh

L L NR NR NR

SL vs BAN

Head-to-Head Analysis

Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka:

Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, PHKD Mendis, Avishka Fernando, M Priyanath, KNM Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga

Bench: Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, MVT Fernando

Bangladesh:

Jaker Ali, Liton Das (wk), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mohammad Parvez Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam

Bench: Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain

SL vs BAN Key Players to Watch

Kusal Mendis (SL): Consistent with t,he bat and a reliable wicketkeeper, Mendis is in fine form.

Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): Always a threat with the ball in the middle overs and handy with the bat too.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN): Needs to lead from the front with both bat and ball.

Towhid Hridoy (BAN): A promising young batter who can change games on his day.

Best Batter Pick: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Nissanka has been solid at the top and gives Sri Lanka the ideal platform to build big totals.

Best Bowler Pick: Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)

His variations will be key on a pitch that often aids spin at R. Premadasa.

Pitch and Weather Report

The pitch in Colombo typically favors batters early on but slows down as the match progresses, making spin crucial in the second innings.

Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of evening showers. Temperature around 29°C and humidity over 75%.

Toss Prediction

Winning the toss and batting first is usually a good option in Colombo. Expect the captain winning the toss to opt for setting a target, especially considering the dew factor.

SL vs BAN Match Prediction scenerios

Scenario 1: Sri Lanka Bat First

If Sri Lanka bat first, their top-order trio of Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Avishka Fernando are likely to lay a solid foundation. With in-form finishers like Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, a total between 270-290 is achievable on this surface.

Sri Lanka's spinners — Theekshana and Hasaranga - can dominate the middle overs, especially if there's scoreboard pressure. Bangladesh may struggle in the chase if early wickets fall.

Prediction: Sri Lanka win by 30-50 runs.

Scenario 2: Bangladesh Bat First

Bangladesh's recent struggles at the top have seen them lose early wickets. If Liton Das or Towhid Hridoy fire, they could reach a par score of 240-250. However, handling Sri Lanka's spin attack will be crucial.

Sri Lanka's strong batting lineup is likely to chase this total with relative ease, especially under lights when the ball comes on better.

Prediction: Sri Lanka win by 5-7 wickets.

Scenario 3: Rain-Interrupted Match (DLS in play)

With a slight chance of rain in the evening, a reduced-overs match could bring Bangladesh into the contest. In a 30–35 overs per side game, their aggressive stroke-players like Parvez Hossain and Miraz could make a big impact.

Still, Sri Lanka's middle-order depth gives them the upper hand in shorter contests. Bangladesh will need a strong powerplay and 1-2 big partnerships to upset the odds.

Prediction: Sri Lanka win a close contest (under DLS) by 2-4 wickets or 10–20 runs.

Who will win the match?

Given their superior form, depth in the squad, and home advantage, Sri Lanka are strong favorites to win the 2nd ODI and seal the series 2-0. Bangladesh need an extraordinary effort to stage a comeback.

Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, 2025

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