Brimming with belief after a commanding victory in the second T20, Bangladesh are just one win away from securing their first-ever T20 series win against Sri Lanka, as they face the hosts in the series-deciding third game at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tomorrow (Wednesday). The match begins at 7:30 PM Bangladesh Time.
After suffering a seven-wicket loss in the opening match, Bangladesh roared back in style, thrashing Sri Lanka by 83 runs—their largest T20 victory over any Test-playing nation. That emphatic performance has given the team a major confidence boost ahead of the final showdown.
“Now the series is level at 1-1, the win in the second match was important for us because of gaining confidence,” said batter Shamim Patwari. “Now we have the chance to win the series, and hopefully, if we play well, we will win it.”
Bangladesh’s record against Sri Lanka in T20Is has been modest at best. In 19 matches, Bangladesh have won 7, losing 12. The best they’ve managed in a bilateral T20 series against Sri Lanka was a draw in 2017, also in Sri Lanka.
The third T20 also marks the final match of Bangladesh’s tour, which included all three formats. The visitors lost the Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1, making this game an opportunity to end on a high.
Captain Litton Das led from the front in the second match with a sparkling 76 off 50 balls, while Shamim Patwari provided a late charge with a blistering 48 off 26. Patwari emphasized the importance of continuing with the same attacking mindset in the decider.
Bangladesh are unlikely to make changes to the winning XI from the second match, aiming to maintain momentum.
Squads:
Bangladesh:
Liton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Saifuddin.
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
A win tomorrow would not only seal the series for Bangladesh but also cap off a challenging tour with a landmark achievement.