1st T20I Preview: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Fireworks Expected at Pallekele as T20 Series Begins
After an action-packed Test and ODI series, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to clash in the first T20I of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 10, 2025, at 7 PM IST. With Sri Lanka having already clinched both the Test and ODI series, Bangladesh will be eager to strike back in the shortest format.
Team News and Key Players
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, boasts a dynamic T20I squad featuring the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana. The blend of experienced campaigners and young guns gives the home side a well-rounded unit.
Also read: Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test: Will He Make History Twice?
Bangladesh, captained by Litton Das, brings firepower in the form of Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. With key players in both batting and bowling departments, Bangladesh aims to turn the tide in this T20I leg.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium T20I Stats
| Criteria | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting 1st | 13 |
| Matches Won Bowling 1st | 9 |
| Tied | 3 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Avg. 1st Innings Score | 168 |
| Avg. 2nd Innings Score | 147 |
| Average Run Rate | 8.36 |
| Wickets by Pacers (%) | 57.57 |
| Wickets by Spinners (%) | 42.42 |
Pitch Report: Batting Friendly With Second-Inning Challenges
The Pallekele pitch is expected to be batting-friendly in the first innings, with scores around 170-180 being par. Historically, batting first has offered an edge, with 13 wins in 26 matches, compared to 9 wins while chasing.
As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, giving spinners a greater role in the second innings. While pacers will find some early movement, spinners are likely to be the game-changers in the latter stages.
Toss Strategy: Winning the toss and opting to bat first appears to be the ideal decision, considering the pitch’s tendency to favor bowlers in the second half.
What to Expect
With explosive talent on both sides and a pitch that promises runs early on and turn later, the 1st T20I in Pallekele is expected to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have plenty to prove, and fans can expect a high-octane game under the lights.