Sri Lanka wrapped up their multi-format home series against Bangladesh on July 16, asserting dominance across Tests and ODIs while holding their ground in the T20Is. The bilateral tour, which began on June 17, included two Tests, three One-Day Internationals, and three T20 Internationals. Sri Lanka claimed the Test series 1–0 and edged the ODI series 2–1, showcasing a well-rounded and clinical performance across formats.
In the Test series, Sri Lanka displayed command from the outset. While the first Test in Galle was disrupted by weather and ended in a draw, the second Test in Colombo provided a result—and it was a decisive one. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly the spin duo of Dhananjaya de Silva and Prabath Jayasuriya, exploited familiar conditions to dismantle Bangladesh’s batting lineup. The hosts secured an innings victory, with de Silva delivering a Player-of-the-Match performance and Pathum Nissanka emerging as the standout batsman, piling up 369 runs across the series.
Transitioning to the ODIs, the home side carried forward their red-ball momentum. Sri Lanka began the three-match series with a convincing 77-run win in the first ODI, bowling out Bangladesh for just 167 after setting a modest target. The visitors bounced back in the second match, successfully defending a score of 248 in a gritty, low-scoring contest. But the deciding third ODI proved to be Sri Lanka’s stage once again. Led by Kusal Mendis’ masterful 124 off 115 balls, Sri Lanka posted 285 and bowled Bangladesh out comprehensively, sealing the series 2–1. Mendis was deservedly named Player of the Series for his consistent contributions at the top of the order.
The T20I series added further spice to the tour, though it did not carry the same one-sided tone. Bangladesh came out with renewed intent, managing to push Sri Lanka in the first two matches. However, in the final T20I held in Colombo on July 16, Sri Lanka closed out the tour with another commanding display. Chasing a target of around 160, the home side raced to victory inside 11 overs, driven by fearless stroke-play and a disciplined bowling effort that kept the visitors under pressure throughout the match.
Key takeaways from the series include the resurgence of Sri Lanka’s core players, particularly in home conditions. Pathum Nissanka solidified his place as the team’s top-order anchor, while Dhananjaya de Silva and Prabath Jayasuriya proved why Sri Lankan spin remains a dominant force in subcontinental Tests. In the ODIs and T20Is, players like Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana added depth and firepower.
For Bangladesh, the tour highlighted both resilience and inconsistency. Though they avoided clean sweeps in both the ODIs and T20Is, their inability to match Sri Lanka’s intensity and adaptability cost them in key moments. The series leaves them with important lessons ahead of future assignments, especially in handling spin and building batting partnerships under pressure.
As the bilateral tour concludes, Sri Lanka can reflect positively on their performances. Their success across formats not only boosts morale but strengthens preparations for future global tournaments, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with India.