Pallekele, Sri Lanka: The exciting three-match One-Day International (ODI) series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has reached its final stage. Today, July 8, 2025, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the last ODI will decide the series champion. Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first.
Series So Far: A Rollercoaster Ride
This series has been an engaging contest, with each team winning one match, leading to a thrilling conclusion.
1st ODI (Colombo): Sri Lanka dominated by defeating Bangladesh by 77 runs, taking an early 1-0 lead. Captain Charith Asalanka’s fantastic century (106 runs) helped Sri Lanka score 244. Bangladesh started strong at 100/1 but then collapsed, losing 7 wickets for only 5 runs. They were bowled out for 167. Wanindu Hasaranga (4/10) and Kamindu Mendis (3/19) excelled with the ball for Sri Lanka.
2nd ODI (Colombo): Bangladesh made a remarkable comeback, beating Sri Lanka by 16 runs to tie the series at 1-1. They scored 248 runs batting first, with key contributions from Parvez Hossain Emon (67) and Towhid Hridoy (51). Sri Lanka fell short in their reply, scoring 232 despite Janith Liyanage’s impressive 78. Tanvir Islam (5/39) starred for Bangladesh with a brilliant five-wicket haul on his home ground.
Today’s Match: Do or Die
Today’s third ODI is a crucial match, with both teams striving to win the series.
Sri Lanka: The team has kept the same winning lineup, relying on their proven players. Under Charith Asalanka’s leadership, they aim for their fifth consecutive ODI series win on home soil. Their strong spin trio—Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana—will be vital again. Kusal Mendis has also been in great form, scoring a century in the series.
Bangladesh: Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh seeks to make history by winning their first-ever ODI series in Sri Lanka. They have replaced Hasan Mahmud with Taskin Ahmed, strengthening their pace attack. All eyes will be on Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has yet to score big in the series, as fans hope for a standout performance today.
Pallekele Pitch Report
The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is usually good for batting. Historical matches show that the team batting first often has an edge. Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka has set a target of about 280 runs.
It will be exciting to see which team rises to the challenge today and secures the series win. You can watch the match live on Sony Sports Network, or stream it on the SonyLIV and FanCode apps.
