Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025: Batters to Watch in the 3rd T20I Match of BAN vs SL

With the white-ball circus now officially in Sri Lanka, fans in both camps are in for a treat with a spicy T20I under the lights in Colombo. Both teams have power-hitters and boundary sizes that lure bolder players, and a mouth-watering opening match of T20I fireworks is on the cards. Bowlers may be trying to plan their slower balls and yorkers, but the batters are expected to be the dominant force. So, who should you be leaning towards when Bangladesh takes on Sri Lanka? Let’s take a look at the three who could set fire to the first match.

Pathum Nissanka: Sri Lanka

If there is one Sri Lankan batter that has well and truly made the No. 1 position his own, it is Pathum Nissanka. Often overshadowed in T20s by big-hitting craziness, Nissanka has a calming presence in the chaos. In his last 10 T20I matches, he has scored 390 runs in 10 innings, at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 134.02 – not the quickest but reliable.

What makes him dangerous is that he bats deep. Nissanka often anchors the innings while the hitters go around him. His classical manner of batting will not generate highlights for YouTube, but Sri Lanka’s white-ball resurgence probably owes much to the consistency he showed at the top of the batting order. Against a Bangladesh bowling line-up that has a habit of leaking runs in the Powerplay, Nissanka could be the quiet cyclone.

Kusal Perera: Sri Lanka

He’s not just a batter — Kusal Perera is theatre in motion, blending grace and chaos like only a T20 star can. Over the last 10 matches, Perera has scored 284 runs at a strike rate of nearly 146 – and that is a statistic that demonstrates intent and also execution – with an average of 31.56, he has not performed decently by any means, rather, a display of how frequently he gets Sri Lanka off to a flyer.

If he gets going early, expect fireworks. Perera is the type of player who doesn’t twiddle their thumbs – and when he gets bat on ball, it clears the boundary with little effort. Bangladesh’s left-armers and spinners will want to cramp him for space, but history has shown us he doesn’t mind improvising. If he fires in the first T20I, the game can swing quickly in favour of Sri Lanka.

Tanzid Hasan: Bangladesh

Tanzid Hasan’s international journey has just begun, but with 247 runs in 10 matches at a blistering 148.79 strike rate, he’s already turning heads. His average of 24.7 may not jump off the page, but his intent is undeniable – and, in Twenty20, intent is often a game-winner.

He brings a new dimension to Bangladesh’s top order, and his willingness to attack both spin and pace means he is a flexible option. Tanzid has shown he can take the aerial route in the Powerplay, and with Sri Lanka possibly starting with spin – they usually do – he may be able to cash in. With Litton and Shanto starting slowly, the aggressiveness of Tanzid could be the x-factor that Bangladesh needs.

So, as we walk up to the first T20I match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, keep an eye out for Nissanka, Perera, and Tanzid. Each brings their dimension – stability, firepower, or youthful fearlessness. On the day of the match, the bat may speak louder than the ball.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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