After an intense Test series, that saw Bangladesh win their historic 100th Test whilst notching up their first-ever win over Sri Lanka, both teams are set to clash in the One-Day International (ODI) series. The ODI series will consist of three games that will act as an apt preparation for the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy tournament in England. Sri Lanka are placed sixth in the ODI rankings, while Bangladesh are placed 7 points below them at seven, making this a mouth-watering affair. The hosts hold an impregnable record against the visitors, winning 33 out of 38 games, losing just 4 and one game ending in a no-result. At home, Sri Lanka rule the roost, winning 14 out of 16, while losing just one. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st ODI
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are coming off damaging whitewashes in their last ODI assignments. Lanka lost 5-0 against South Africa, while Bangladesh were routed 3-0 by New Zealand. The first ODI will take place at the scenic Dambulla. Upul Tharanga, who under his wings will have an exuberant side, will again rally Sri Lanka. The experienced Mashrafe Mortaza will marshal Bangladesh and enjoy the support of well-chanced team, on the other hand.
Sri Lanka preview:
The batting line-up is filled with an array of talent on display. Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis and Asela Gunaratne make for an intimidating middle order at home. Gunaratne, in particular, will be expected to star for the home side after his T20I series winning performance against Australia in Australia. Mendis, going through a rough patch, will be expected to churn out runs in batsmen friendly conditions. With Kusal Perera ruled out of the first-two ODIs, pressure will be on Dickwella to rise up and shine.
Dinesh Chandimal’s presence in the team adds much stability and buoyancy. The bowling bears concern with Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Thisera Perera looking out of form. Much will depend on their spinning trio of Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prassanna and Lakshan Sandakan.
Bangladesh preview:
Bangladesh, in New Zealand, showed glimpses of brilliance but were downed by their immaturity. The Test win at Colombo is sure to usher in hopes and confidence in a solid-looking ODI unit. Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah and Sabbi rRahman would be under the scanner after their poor run of late. Mahmudullah and Sabbir struck 70’s in the warm-up game, which went in vain. Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Mortaza form the nucleus of the side.
Mortaza’s batting display against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI adds another dimension to an already strong lower order. Mortaza will spearhead the bowling attack in alliance with Taskin Ahmed, Subhashis Roy and Rubel Hossain. It will be interesting to see whether Bangladesh opt to play last minute addition Mehedi Hasan or go ahead with Sunzamul Islam. Sunzamul had an exceptional run in the domestic circuit, nabbing 25 wickets.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga (c), Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Kumara, Vikum Sanjaya, Thisara Perera, Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lakshan Sandakan
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Sanjamul Islam, Shuvagata Hom, Nurul Hasan, Mehedi Hasan.
TIMING: 14:30 local | 09:00 GMT | 14:30 IST
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