The equation is simple for Bangladesh: win, and they secure a historic maiden T20I series victory on Sri Lankan soil; lose, and just like the ODI series, the trophy remains with the hosts.
With the three-match T20I series level at 1-1, all eyes turned to the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the decider. Bangladesh lost the toss in what is effectively an unofficial final, with Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka opting to bat first, a change in approach after his side chose to chase in the first two matches.
Both teams have made two changes to their respective XIs for this crucial clash.
For Bangladesh, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan comes in for Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib returns in place of Mohammad Saifuddin.
Sri Lanka have recalled veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal in place of Avishka Fernando, and Kamindu Mendis replaces seamer Chamika Karunaratne.
In the opening match at Pallekele, a disjointed Bangladesh side slumped to a seven-wicket defeat, undone by a powerful opening stand from Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who chased down 155 with ease.
But the visitors bounced back in style in the second T20I. Captain Litton Das (76 off 50) and Shamim Hossain (48 off 27) powered Bangladesh to 178. In reply, the hosts crumbled to just 94, as Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam ran riot with the ball to level the series with a commanding 83-run victory.
Playing XIs:
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali Anik, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.