After defeating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh started to believe more in their dream—the dream to win the Asia Cup. The victory against their archrival provides them the extra confidence they need to cherish the unfulfilled dream. The Bangladesh cricket team has the experience of playing the Asia Cup final, not once but thrice, but every time they have to return empty-handed. 

But this time, it can be a happy ending for them. Saif Hassan, the best player of the match against Sri Lanka, started to sense the positive vibe around the team. Ahead of the tournament, the Bangladesh cricket team were confident about their capabilities to perform well. With a win over Sri Lanka last night, they took a step further to the final showdown. But before that, they have to face challenges from two mighty forces of cricket—India and Pakistan. Bangladesh will next face India on Wednesday, September 24. Their focus already started to shift towards their upcoming assignments. 

"Before coming into the tournament, we all believed we could play the final. Now we’ve taken another step forward. Still two matches remain. Our focus is entirely on the next one," Saif said after the Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka clash. 

Read More: Sanju Samson Reveals Why He Has Blossomed Under Gautam Gambhir Regime After Latest Fifty in Asia Cup 2025

Bangladesh starts to dream big in the Asia Cup 2025 final

"We should dream. We should dream big. We need to take it step by step. Our next match is against India, and our full focus is on that. After that, we’ll see." 

Snatching a win against Sri Lanka was not an easy task for Bangladesh. They went to chase a target of 169. Opener Saif Hassan's 61-run knock came big time to guide the team to the finish line. Towhid Hridoy scored another half-century for the team to secure a much-needed win for Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka had a clear victory against Bangladesh in Match 5 of the Asia Cup 2025 on Friday. They batted first, and it was horrendous for Bangladesh as they lost both openers for zero. They did put on a fighting unbeaten stand of 86 with Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, in the end, to make 139/5 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera, ensured Bangladesh never got going. In reply, Pathum Nissanka’s blistering fifty powered Sri Lanka to 140/4 in just 14.4 overs, sealing a 6-wicket win. Below are the main reasons for Bangladesh defeat

1. Poor start, 2 wickets in first 2 overs

Bangladesh lost both openers for a duck when Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera bowled back-to-back wicket-maidens, and that early disintegration of the batting lineup turned momentum immediately in favor of Sri Lanka.

2. Middle-order couldn’t stabilize after early damage

Despite Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain stitching an unbeaten 86-run stand for the sixth wicket, the middle order lacked support. Bangladesh slumped to 139/5, keeping the total under par on a chaseable pitch.

See Also: [WATCH] Wanindu Hasaranga robbed of Jaker Ali’s wicket during SL vs BAN Asia Cup 2025 contest

3. Sri Lankan top order’s dominant chase

Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Pathum Nissanka’s 50-off-31, supported by Kamil Mishara. They combined for a second-wicket partnership of just over 70 runs and comfortably came home with 5.2 overs to spare with aggressive intent and clinical execution of shots.

0/2, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble as soon as their second match of the Asia Cup 2025 started against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka struck back-to-back two wickets in two overs, sending both of the Bangladeshi openers back to the pavilion. Sri Lanka got a near-perfect start against their archrival Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh stepped into Sheikh Zayed Stadium to play their second match of their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. In their first match, they beat Hong Kong with ease. They went into the next match with boosted confidence, but Sri Lanka was prepared for the Tiger brigade. For Sri Lanka it is their first match of the tournament.

Because of the dry climate of Abu Dhabi, teams often chose to go with a spin-heavy playing XI. Sri Lanka's plan was different. They put their prime pacers in their combination against Bangladesh, and that proved to be an effective choice. The pacers of the island nation, surprising everyone, picked back-to-back wickets. It was only the second time when a team lost a couple of wickets without scoring a run in T20 Internationals. 

Read More: Jay Shah's 'Invisible Boycott' possibilities power IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 boycott wave

Sri Lankan fast bowlers plucked two wickets without offering a single run:

Nuwan Thushara started things off tightly. Tanzid Hasan, the Bangladesh opener, was under pressure as he and his team had yet to collect their first run of the match. After playing five dot balls, Hasan tried to do something different for the sixth delivery. The Sri Lankan pacer, as usual, went fuller, keeping the line around off. The batter tried to flick it on the leg side but missed his shape and missed the ball too. The ball lashed on the off stump; Thushara got his man.

𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐚 from Thushara 🔥

Watch #BANvSL LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/0F3XFbfiAm

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 13, 2025

In the next over, Dushmantha Chameera took Parvez Hossain Emon. The fast bowler bowled a back-of-the-length delivery, away from the batter's range. Emon went deep into the crease and extended his arms to push the ball down to the ground. In the process he managed to get an outside edge, which was carried to the gloves of Kusal Mendis. 

Dushmantha Chameera strikes ⚡

Watch #BANvSL LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/AqEZxrZQwt

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 13, 2025

Bangladesh (BAN) faces Sri Lanka (SL) in match 5 of the Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday, September 13 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This contest is very important to both teams as they try to further their chances of moving forward in the tournament. The Bangla Tigers are coming off a very impressive run of results, having won a series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and The Netherlands prior to the Asia Cup. They came into this match with momentum, having defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in their opening game while chasing down a target of 144 within 17 overs. 

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing series loss to Bangladesh in July, but they managed to bounce back earlier in September with the 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. Inconsistency has been their biggest issue to date under skipper Charith Asalanka. The islanders will be depending heavily on the spin brothers Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to keep the opposition down, while top-order batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will need to provide a baseline for them in this match, which can prove to be pivotal in the tournament.

BAN vs SL: Head-to-Head Records

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have competed against each other in T20Is so frequently that Sri Lanka holds a slight edge over their rivals in total victories.

• Matches Played: 20
• Won by BAN: 08
• Won by SL: 12

BAN vs SL: Stadium Stats 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has historically favored teams that bowl first, with a 59% win when chasing. With average first-inning score of 145 and often affords a competitive balance between bat and ball.

• Matches Played: 46
  
• Win Bat first: 41%
  
• Win Bowl first: 59%
  
• Average 1st Innings Score: 145
  
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 138
  
• Highest Total: 210/2 (AFG vs IND)
  
• Lowest Total: 84/10 (BAN vs RSA)
  
• Highest Chase: 174/2 (SA vs IRE)
  
• Lowest Defended: 129/6 (PAK vs ENG)

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Oman lost to Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 match 4

BAN vs SL: Predicted Playing XIs

Bangladesh (BAN): Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (C & WK), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali Anik, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka (SL): Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara/Nuwan Thushara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.

Asia Cup 2025: Points Table

After completion of four matches, two from each group, the points table stands as follows:

Group A

Group B

Bangladesh had an excellent start to the tournament, winning their opening match by seven wickets against Hong Kong. They successfully chased down the target of 144 runs. Captain Litton Das was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 59 runs off 39 balls. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain took two wickets in the bowling department.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s recent form in T20 cricket has been far from steady, with just two wins in their last five matches. They lost a home series 1-2 against Bangladesh and even suffered a shock defeat to Zimbabwe earlier this month, bowled out for just 80.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Date: 13th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

BAN vs SL Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: T20 Blast 2025: LAN vs SOM Prediction– 1st Semi-Final, Who will win today?

Top Batters BAN vs SL

• Litton Das (BAN) - 59 runs in this tournament 

• Towhid Hridoy (BAN) - 35 runs in this tournament 

• Parvez Hossain (BAN) - 19 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler BAN vs SL

• Rishad Hossain (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Taskin Ahmed (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

• Tanzim Hasan (BAN) - 2 wickets in this tournament 

BAN vs SL Recent Performance

BAN vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 170-180 runs

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 15-20 runs

Scenario 2- If the BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 145-155 runs.

• Result prediction- SL will win the match by 3 wickets 

BAN vs SL Predicted Playing XI

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI 

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera.

BAN vs SL Complete Squad

Bangladesh - 

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

Sri Lanka -

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

BAN vs SL Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Sri Lanka to win

We predict that Sri Lanka will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key players to watch out for.

BAN vs SL Match Preview

Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the 5th match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium tomorrow. Bangladesh has been in excellent form recently, and they began the competition with a solid win. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking for a winning debut, but they will not have it easy, as Bangladesh has recently dominated them. A close competition is expected.

BAN vs SL Match Details 

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – 5th Match, Asia Cup 2025

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: 13th September 2025 at 08:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

BAN vs SL Venue Stats 

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

The pitch has become more bat-friendly, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. It is a difficult venue for fast bowlers because there is nothing on the playing field. Spinners have found success at this venue because the ball turns sharply.

BAN vs SL Weather Report

Based on the forecast, the humidity will increase gradually throughout the evening. Clear skies and temperatures above 25 degrees throughout.

BAN vs SL Last Five Matches

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction 5th Match

BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage/ Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Topmost Picks for BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Litton Das – Litton Das is the team's leading run-scorer, with 476 runs in 16 matches, an average of 34 and a strike rate of 137.17.
• Shoriful Islam – Shoriful Islam has 12 wickets in 10 matches, with an economy rate of 7.86.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – Pathum Nissanka is the team's leading run-scorer in 2025, scoring 230 runs in 7 matches at an average of 32.85 and a strike rate of 147.43.
• Binura Fernando – Binura Fernando managed to take three wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 7.11.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BAN vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Litton Das(VC), Pathum Nissanka, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Matheesha Pathirana, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Litton Das, Wanindu Hasaranga

Vice-captain – Taskin Ahmed, Pathum Nissanka

Wicketkeeper – Litton Das

BAN vs SL Probable Winners:

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have always produced thrilling matches, and this one promises to be no exception. Bangladesh enters the game with the upper hand, having won a series against Sri Lanka in July and boasting a bowling unit that flourishes in these conditions. Sri Lanka's spinners will also pose a threat, but their batting lineup's inconsistency may be their undoing. While both teams have an opportunity to dominate, Bangladesh's recent performances provide a clear advantage, though the outcome may come down to which side handles pressure better with the bat. Considering the team combination, Bangladesh is expected to win this match.

SL vs BAN Match Preview

With the series tied at 1-1, the third and final match will be the decider. The third and last match of the T20I series will be played at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium, which also hosted the first two one-dayers. After restricting Bangladesh to 154 while bowling first in the first T20I, the visitors bowled Sri Lanka out for 94 runs in the second match while defending a competitive total. Bangladesh will be pleased with their key players' comeback in the final game. After being put to bat first in Dambulla, skipper Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain all delivered impactful knocks to help them reach 177.

SL vs BAN Match Details

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 3rd T20I Match, Sri Lanka Series 2025

Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo

Date & Time: 16th July 2025 at 07:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

SL vs BAN Venue Stats

SL vs BAN Pitch Report

Dambulla terrain is flat, and the ball glides easily onto the bat. Teams have scored 300+ runs in recent ODIs played here.

SL vs BAN Weather Report

Dambulla will have bright and sunny weather, with no chance of rain during this match. The temperature will vary from 16°C to 8°C. 

SL vs BAN Last Five Matches

SL vs BAN Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W Dream11 Prediction 5th T20I Match

SL vs BAN Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Topmost Picks for SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – Kusal Mendis has been in good form lately, scoring the most runs in the recently concluded ODI series. He has an average of more than fifty against Bangladesh.
• Jeffrey Vandersay – He has taken at least two wickets in five of his last six matches against Bangladesh.

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Parvez Hossain Emon – Parvez Hossain Emon appeared to be in particularly good form, scoring a quick half-century.
• Rishad Hossain –  Rishad Hossain was the main difference between both squads on Saturday, taking 2/39; if he can do the same, including two maidens on Tuesday

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SL vs BAN Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis(C), Litton Das, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(VC), Maheesh Theekshana, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Nuwan Thushara

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka

Vice-captain – Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Pathum Nissanka 

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

SL vs BAN Probable Winners:

Both teams were inconsistent throughout the series. However, they are fairly matched in terms of squad strengths. Both have excellent bowlers, such as reliable spinners. In one-dayers, both teams won one match each at this venue. If the weather does not interfere, the contest will be close. Sri Lanka will have the home advantage and will start a bit ahead of the visitors, according to our match prediction. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.

Exciting cricket coming up this evening as we see Bangladesh play Sri Lanka in the first T20 of the series 2025. They are both young and experienced, and it promises to be a fun matchup and a close one too. Bangladesh will hope to make the best use of the home surface with Litton Das leading the side, while Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will try to set the tone early in the series. It has big hits, smart bowling and a whole lot of energy in the field, and the action at Srilanka could really be a standout in the cacophony that cricket lovers in this region have grown all too used to.

Match Details – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (1st Match, 2025 Series)

• Match: 1st T20I – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Date: July 10, 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 7:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka

Players Battle to Watch Out For – BAN vs SL 1st Match
1. Litton Das vs Maheesh Theekshana
Litton Das, known for his sharp footwork and timing, will face a tough challenge against Theekshana’s mystery spin, as he’s been dismissed by him before and tends to struggle early against variations, while Theekshana’s strength lies in deception but he can leak runs if attacked confidently.

2. Towhid Hridoy vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Towhid Hridoy’s fearless strokeplay and strength against spin will be tested by Hasaranga’s world-class googlies, in a battle where Hridoy’s over-aggression could cost him, while Hasaranga might suffer if his variations are picked early.

3. Kusal Perera vs Mustafizur Rahman
Kusal Perera’s explosive starts make him dangerous in the powerplay, but he’ll need to watch out for Mustafizur’s trademark cutters, especially since Fizz has dismissed him multiple times and thrives under pressure, though he can be expensive if predictable.

4. Dasun Shanaka vs Taskin Ahmed
Shanaka’s late-innings power hitting could collide with Taskin Ahmed’s raw pace and bounce, making it a high-impact duel where Shanaka may struggle with short balls, while Taskin must maintain control to avoid being taken apart in the death overs.

5. Kusal Mendis vs Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Kusal Mendis, who enjoys attacking off-spin, will try to dominate Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a clever spinner who can tie up batters with tight lines but risks being hit if overused, while Mendis himself can lose his wicket trying to be overly aggressive.

ALSO READ:SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction 1st T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

SL vs BAN Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow ahead of their home T20I series against Bangladesh, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The leg-spinner sustained the injury during the recently concluded ODI series but still featured in the final match, where he picked up two wickets and scored a useful unbeaten 14. However, despite undergoing MRI scans, Hasaranga is not expected to recover in time for the T20Is, starting July 10 in Kandy.

Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s lineup. A proven match-winner in the shortest format, he has played 79 T20Is, taking 131 wickets at an economy of under seven, while also contributing over 700 runs with the bat. His deceptive variations, especially the googly and quicker ones, make him a constant threat, particularly on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches. Against Bangladesh, he has six wickets in just four T20I innings.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: PM Narendra Modi wishes Namibia to successfully host ICC World Cup 2027

Sri Lanka Look to Fill Hasaranga Void as T20I Series Against Bangladesh Begins

The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for the hosts, who were hoping to carry momentum from their 2-1 ODI series win. Sri Lanka started that series with a dominant 77-run victory, slipped in the second match, but bounced back in style to win the decider by 99 runs in Pallekele. Kusal Mendis starred with a century, while skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed a fifty. The bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera, made light work of the Bangladesh batting in the final ODI.

The T20I series kicks off on July 10 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second match is scheduled for July 13 in Dambulla, followed by the third and final game on July 16 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

With Hasaranga out, Sri Lanka may look towards young leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage or an extra seamer, depending on the conditions. But replacing a player of Hasaranga’s all-round calibre will not be easy, and his absence could tilt the balance slightly in Bangladesh’s favour.

After losing the first ODI by 77 runs, Bangladesh made a strong comeback in the second match against Sri Lanka. They secured a thrilling 16-run victory under the captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday night.

This win not only leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1 but also brought good news for Bangladesh in the ICC rankings.

Before the series started, Bangladesh was in 10th place in the ICC ODI rankings with 76 rating points. After the win in the second ODI, the ICC updated the points, and Bangladesh moved to 9th place with 78 rating points.

Sticking together and a great bowling performance from Tanvir Islam, who took five wickets and was named Player of the Match, helped Bangladesh win in Colombo. Sri Lanka fought hard while chasing Bangladesh’s small total of 248, especially with a late partnership between Janith Liyanage and Dushmantha Chameera.

At one point, it looked like the match was slipping away, but Bangladesh’s death-over bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Tanvir Islam, kept calm. The Tigers managed to secure a 16-run win and level the three-match series 1–1.

On the same day, West Indies dropped to 10th place with 77 points, and Sri Lanka slipped from 4th to 5th place with 102 points. Pakistan moved up to 4th place with 104 rating points, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s loss.

There have been many changes in the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings. India stays at the top with 124 points, followed by New Zealand and Australia, both with 109 points. South Africa, Afghanistan, and England are in 6th, 7th, and 8th places, respectively.

And with this win, Team Bangladesh climbs back to 9th place in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings 🇧🇩📈

A crucial step forward with World Cup hopes still alive!#SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/uSG20sNqHW

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) July 5, 2025

These rankings are important because the top eight teams by March 31, 2027, will qualify directly for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Teams finishing outside the top eight will have to play in a qualifying tournament for the remaining four spots.

The final and deciding ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be played in Pallekele the day after tomorrow.

Earlier in May, Bangladesh had fallen to 10th place in the rankings for the first time in nearly 18 years, after a series of poor performances in the 50-over format. Their losing streak started in November last year with a loss to Afghanistan in the last ODI of a three-match series in Sharjah.

A win in the final match would be historic for Bangladesh, as it would be their first-ever ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil. In 2017, the two teams drew the ODI series 1-1 in Sri Lanka. In their last ODI series in 2024, Bangladesh won 2-1 at home.

Brief Score:

Bangladesh: 248 in 45.5 overs (Emon 67, Hridoy 51, Asitha 4-35, Hasaranga 3-60)  

Sri Lanka: 232 in 48.5 overs (Liyanage 78, Kusal Mendis 56, Tanvir 5-39) 

Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs.