As the action shifts from Rajshahi to the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, both teams find themselves at a critical junction in this tour of Bangladesh. Sri Lanka enters the T20I series with a massive psychological edge, having staged an impressive comeback to clinch the ODI leg 2-1. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be desperate to reclaim their home-turf dominance; while their bowling has shown flashes of brilliance, the batters need to find a way to post more competitive totals. It’s a clash between the clinical consistency of the visitors and the gritty, never-say-die spirit of the Tigresses.
The spotlight remains firmly on the veteran leaders and the rising stars. For Bangladesh, Nigar Sultana Joty remains the heartbeat of the middle order, and her ability to anchor the innings will be vital against a disciplined Sri Lankan attack. Sri Lanka will once again lean on the explosive Chamari Athapaththu, whose match-winning knock in the second ODI proved just how quickly she can take the game away. In the bowling department, the spin duel between Nahida Akter and Inoka Ranaweera is likely to dictate the middle overs, as both veterans are masters of using these subcontinent tracks to stifle run rates.
Squads:
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Nigar Sultana, Nahida Akter, Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Juairiya Ferdous, Marufa Akter, Shobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Sultana Khatun, Sumaiya Akhter
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu, Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, Hasini Perera, Inoka Ranaweera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana Joty
As the cornerstone of the Bangladesh batting lineup, Nigar Sultana Joty has amassed 2316 runs since her debut in 2015. Her consistency is reflected in her average of 27.24, bolstered by 11 half-centuries and a career-best unbeaten 113. Whether she is anchoring the middle order or accelerating toward the end, her ability to find the ropes—having hit 223 boundaries and 20 sixes—makes her the vital wicket every opponent targets.
Nahida Akter
Nahida Akter has evolved into a premier wicket-taker for Bangladesh, claiming 115 victims in her 99 matches so far. Her exceptional control is evident in an economy rate of 5.77 and a career average of 16.89, showcasing her knack for picking up wickets while keeping things tight. With two five-wicket hauls to her name and the best of 5/8, she remains the primary threat whenever the ball begins to turn.
Chamari Athapaththu
A true legend of Sri Lankan cricket, Chamari Athapaththu leads from the front with a staggering 3637 runs across 154 matches. Her aggressive style is defined by a strike rate of 110.58, featuring 474 fours and 96 massive sixes that can take the game away from any side in minutes. With 3 centuries and 14 fifties, her experience and high score of 119* make her the most formidable batter in the ongoing tour.
Inoka Ranaweera
Inoka Ranaweera continues to be the silent operator of the Sri Lankan bowling attack, bringing over a decade of experience and 97 wickets to the team. She has bowled over 310 overs with remarkable discipline, maintaining a solid average of 19.06 and an economy under six. Her career-best figures of 4/7 highlight her ability to dismantle top orders, making her a crucial asset on the spin-friendly tracks of Bangladesh.
Pitch:
The surface at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is traditionally known for being slow and sluggish, making it a tricky environment for batters to find their rhythm. Recent stats suggest a significant advantage for bowlers, with first-innings scores in shorter formats often averaging around 113 to 144 runs, demanding high technical skill from anyone looking to post a competitive total.
Weather:
The forecast indicates heavy rain during both the day and night. The high temperature will be 23°C with a low of 21°C, accompanied by a very high humidity level of 90%. Winds will be coming from the east at a speed of 7 mph, and there is a significant 70% chance of precipitation during the day, increasing to 95% at night.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Shobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Chamari Athapaththu, Hansima Karunaratne, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Dewmi Vihanga
Match Details:
Date – April 28, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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