Post the 2018 Asia Cup, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh share an interesting yet startling record with regards to a bilateral series in ODI cricket. Cleansweep. They either sweep the series home or allow their opponents to do the same. Only once have both teams managed to avoid a complete cleansweep. So, will the three-match ODI series in Dhaka, starting Sunday, be any different?
Though Sri Lanka find themselves sinking at the bottom (almost) of the World Cup Super League points table, they are yet to lose an ODI bilateral series to Bangladesh. Their new-look squad is led by Kusal Perera, who might look for a sweet redemption, following his exclusion from the ODI squad on the Caribbean tour in March. Widely considered as the 'one for the future' Kusal Mendis, the vice-captain, will also have a lot to prove given his inconsistency across formats in recent years.
Bangladesh are currently sixth in the Super League table, but skipper Tamim Iqbal warned against any complacency and felt that the team needs to "play more than a hundred per cent to beat Sri Lanka". While the addition of Shakib and Mustafizur boosts their home advantage, they would be hoping to keep the home-winning record intact having won their last four ODI series' since October 2018.
When: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka 1st ODI, 1pm local time, 1230pm IST
Where: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
What to expect: Teams chasing seem to have an advantage in Dhaka, and the dew factor might come into play as well with spinners getting some purchase in the first half of the game. Of the last seven games at the venue, five have been won by chasing teams which should tempt the captains to go for a 'win-toss-and-chase' approach. A perfect day for cricket beckons, meaning no weather interruptions are expected.
How would the series affect World Cup Super League table? Sri Lanka are currently ranked 12th, and a 3-0 win over Bangladesh will help them climb to the ninthe spot. Bangladesh, currently at six, though needs to win the series if they are to secure the top spot in the table.
Team news
Bangladesh
Skipper Tamim already confirmed that Shakib would be batting at three which could mean a toss-up between Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun, but the latter is likely to get a go-ahead. There were questions over Mustafizur's fitness who, not too long ago, admitted to being tired because of the bubble life, but the pacer is set to play.
Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka
The visiting side will have at least four changes from their last eleven in ODIs and if the recently-concluded intra-squad practice is anything to go by. Expect one of Ramesh Mendis or Chamika Karunaratne to make their ODI debut.
Probable XI: Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera (C/W), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne/Binura Fernando
What they said:
"Naturally experience matters but at the end of the day you will have to perform because you will have to take the game to that point when experience will come into play" - skipper Tamim highlights execution as a key to take advantage of experience.
"The thing is, we're quite used to the bio-bubble thing now, going forward, we have to stick to those plans, so I think we are ready, because we had the five-six days training camp in Colombo, we had a good two sessions in here, so I think all the guys are ready" - Sri Lanka's bowling all-rounder Isuru Udana is confident about his team's chances in Dhaka.
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