Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in their first ODI of the three-match series at Chattogram today (March 13).
The match is slated to begin at 2 pm.
Having won the T-20 series 2-1, Sri Lanka are brimming with confidence for this ODI encounter. However, acknowledging the distinct format and venue, both teams anticipate a tough battle ahead.
Sri Lanka team have strength with ODI specialist players opener Pathum Nissanka, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage the all-rounder, leg spinner Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne and paceman Promod Madushan while due to injury of Asitha Fernando selectors added paceman Lahiru Kumara to the Sri Lanka squad and these players already jojned the team and had two successful training sessions at Chattorgram.
Bangladesh led by Naajumul Hossain Santo also included a few new players to ODI squad all-rounder Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Anamul Haque experienced wicket keeper batsman Mushfiquar Rahim, opener Tanzid Hasan also came to the squad but both teams have not finalized their playing eleven yesterday and after wicket observation they are going to name final eleven today.
“Challenge is always there," Shanto told reporters ahead of the first match of the ODI Series. “There is a challenge, whatever team you face, in an international team you face. We have played great cricket from 2015 to 2022. Now, it’s okay, that a year did not go well for us. What is important now is to bounce back as a team, and we are ready for that.”
“The bowlers are certainly going to face challenges,” Shanto said. “Knowing how they can adapt to the condition is important. We often say without understanding that bowlers do not bowl well. But everyone should understand the circumstances.”
Both teams are kicking off their preparation for the next World Cup starting from this match. Bangladesh captain said that he wants the team to play as a team and be supportive of each other in the mix.
Bangladesh may shuffle their batting order, with Litton Das potentially dropping down and Soumya Sarkar gaining all-rounder duties. Tanzid Hasan Tamim might fill the opening slot.
Bangladesh has won only 10 of their 54 ODIs against Sri Lanka, most victories coming in recent years. While history paints Sri Lanka as a formidable foe, the current scenario is different. Bangladesh will be fighting to prove this.
Sri Lanka team having bit worry about opener Avishka Fernando who is not in good form while he was dropped for the last T-20 game but the presence of inform Pathum Nissanka definitely give more strength to the Sri Lanka side.
Sri Lanka bowling department having fast bowlers Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Promod Madushan, Chamika Karunaratne while Janith Liyanange also can bowl medium pace and team management want to pick their best pacemen today.
The ODI series will be broadcast live in Bangladesh on Gtv and T-Sports. Fans worldwide can access the matches through various TV-Channels and OTT-Platforms, including the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube-Channels.
BDST: 1134 HRS, Mar 13, 2024
MN/SMS
